Phillip Mcginty

Phillip Bruce McGinty
“Phill” to all who knew him, and lovingly called “Papa Bear” by his grandchildren
October 10, 1967 – May 19, 2025
Age 57

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Phillip Bruce McGinty, age 57, who died on May 19, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. After a fierce and courageous eight-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Phillip passed with his hands held and the gentle touch of his loved ones on his head and face—embraced in strength, tenderness, and boundless love.

Phill was born on October 10, 1967, in Smithtown, New York, to Andrew McGinty and Rosalie McGinty (née Iraggi). Even in his youth, he was a deep thinker and a quiet philosopher of life, always encouraging others to look beyond the surface and to live meaningfully.

He earned a degree in Culinary Arts and began his professional career as a chef, crafting meals that warmed the soul. Later, he pursued a new path and became an electrician with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Northport, NY, where he was respected for his work ethic, integrity, and charismatic presence among colleagues and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda McGinty—known lovingly to him as “Linda Lovey”—his devoted son Richard McGinty, and his daughter Amanda Bugiada, who always called him “Daddy” with deep affection. He also helped raise his cherished niece, Julie Alfredson, with the love and care of a father. He is further survived by his older brother, Paul McGinty, his lifelong best friend, who always affectionately called him “Philly.”

Phill was the proud grandfather of six beautiful grandchildren: Kayleigh, Mark, Madison, Mackenzie, Rylie, and Cameron, who knew him affectionately as “Papa Bear.”

To know Phill was to witness humor, strength, and tenderness all at once. He was:
• Exceptionally funny and outgoing
• A nurturing, philosophical soul
• A great listener and wise problem-solver
• A fierce protector and warm host
• A rare, genuine soul who made everyone feel like they belonged

His passions ran deep. He was a lifelong lover of music, aquariums, CB radios, animals, backyard barbecues, and relaxing in his pool. He was also a curious traveler, always eager to explore and experience new places. His home was his safe haven—a place where he could simply be. An ordinary, average guy by his own definition, Phill didn’t need much to be happy. A freshly cut lawn, the sound of his fish tanks bubbling, a good song, and the laughter of family and friends were more than enough.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Giove Funeral Home in Selden from 2:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 28 at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret’s Church, followed by a burial procession to Calverton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Phillip’s memory to the Lustgarten Foundation, supporting the fight against pancreatic cancer: http://www.lustgarten.org

We leave you with a final message from one of his favorite songs—a farewell he wanted the world to hear:

“à tout le monde, à tous mes amis, je vous aime, je dois partir.”
“To everyone, to all my friends, I love you, I must go.”