John Paul McGuiness

John Paul McGuiness, 100, of Newington, CT, Vero Beach FL and recently of North Easton, MA passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long and blessed life.  

He was born March 1, 1923 to Margaret and Thomas McGuiness of New Britain, CT.  John grew up in a large household, one of eight children. During the century, Jack, as he liked to be called, was witness to many amazing events and although he grew up during the Great Depression had only happy memories of his childhood. He is predeceased by brothers Thomas, Phillip, Joseph and Edward McGuiness and two of his sisters Mary Peterson and Alice Kuskey.  He is survived by his youngest sister Margaret DiPietro of Vero Beach, FL.  Jack was a longtime resident of Heron Cay Community in Vero Beach, FL. and lived only a few houses away from his sister Marge and shared dinner with her most nights. 

Jack was a World War II Veteran of the US Navy serving on the USS Bunker Hill in the Pacific Theatre. As a Seaman First Class, Aviation Machinist Mate and Crewman, he had the challenging job of launching aircraft and repairing damaged planes.  His awards include the American Theatre Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal.

Jack married after the war and is predeceased by his wife Dorothy Marie Kelton. They had a devoted, loving marriage of 25 years and five children.  Jack’s second marriage was to to Elaine Laudone and they happily spent 40 years together before her death.  While together, Jack and Elaine traveled the entire United States in their RV, affectionately called the “vacation bus” by his grandchildren. He was an adventurer and explorer. 

Jack was a wonderful and loving father leaving behind five children; Maureen Moody and husband Jonathan of Vero Beach, FL, John Paul McGuiness Jr and his wife Karen of Centerville, MA, Patricia Blansfield and husband Joseph of Sharon, MA, Michael McGuiness and wife Karen of Snohomish, WA and Carol Ann McGuiness of Newington, CT.  Jack was an avid animal lover and also leaves behind his much-loved dog Rascal.

Jack was the proud Grandpa of seven grandchildren; grandsons Douglas, Christopher, Kevin, and Matthew McGuiness; and granddaughters Amanda Repka, Brittany Blansfield, and Mariel Fanning. He also leaves 3 adored Great-Grandchildren; Brooks and Reid Fanning and Evelyn Skye McGuiness. 

Jack was a Steamfitter by trade and a longtime member of the United Association of Steamfitters Local 218.  Family and friends regarded him as a “Jack of All Trades”, being a highly capable plumber, electrician, and carpenter. He even built the family home in Newington, CT doing everything except pouring the foundation.

Jack had many interests and hobbies. He was foremost a life-long Red Sox fan. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and definitely had a “gift for the gab”. He was sweet, funny and could strike up a conversation with anyone.  Jack had a zest for life and loved playing games and puzzles with his family.  He participated in many clubs and leagues including Bowling, Golf, Square Dancing, Bridge, Shuffleboard and was a Bocce player extraordinaire.  He was a skillful card player, some going so far as to call him a “card shark”.  

Last November, at the age of 99, Jack moved to the Residence at Five Corners in North Easton to be closer to family and to maintain his independence.  He enjoyed his time there and quickly made new friends with his neighbors and staff who took such good care of him. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 193 Main St., North Easton, MA 02356 on Thursday, September 7th at 11:00AM followed by Military Honors.  Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, 1141 Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06051 on Saturday, September 9th at 11:00AM.

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