Obituary

Patrick Thomas McGuinness, 92, of Irvine, California, peacefully entered heaven on May 23, 2023.

Patrick’s earthly life began in Brooklyn, New York, in the midst of the Great Depression. Life was difficult so, at just 15 months of age, he was sent to the care of his maternal grandparents in Cavan, Ireland. Oh, the stories he told of his youthful adventures! He captured minnows in the river to sell to local fishermen at the tender age of five and was delivering milk by age nine. At 13, he won the County Cavan Boy’s Irish Step Dancing Championship. He could still recount the stories in greatest detail when in his 90s! Those years in Ireland were precious to him. For the rest of his life, he held citizenship, both legal and heartfelt, in the U.S. and Ireland.

Just before his 16^th birthday, Patrick returned to America, full of hopes and dreams. He soon enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific. As the end of his enlistment neared, the Korean War broke out and his term of service was extended, but he didn’t mind. The sense of belonging he experienced in the Navy made these years a treasure.

Before deploying, Patrick met the love of his life, Dolores Cullen. They courted through letters and the occasional leave. As soon as he was discharged, Dolores flew from New York to California for their wedding in Eagle Rock in October 1951. The newlyweds then returned to New York. After six years and the birth of two sons, Owen and Brian, they made it back to Southern California where Sean was born. They called Southern California home for the rest of their lives.

Choosing a career was easy for Patrick. He joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1961, advancing through the ranks to Captain, Drill Master at the training tower, and eventually heading the Arson Squad before retiring from L.A. City. But he didn’t stop there. Because his expertise was sought after far and wide, he established McGuinness Fire Investigation. Dolores supported his work by diligently and accurately transcribing every deposition. They were like two peas in a pod.

Patrick’s influence had broad reach. He played ball with his sons and their friends, mentored young men aspiring to become firefighters, sponsored a local girls’ soccer team, built cabinets for St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and was the “grandfather” of his neighborhood. People came from all around to see his elaborate Christmas display each year. He warmed the hearts of all he met with his love and unparalleled gift for telling jokes.

Patrick is remembered with love by his son, Owen (Victoria) McGuinness; his grandchildren Erin (Kristoffer) Jensen, Noël (Chris Errand) McGuinness, Chelsea McGuinness, Kristin (Adam) Vasquez, and Ryan (Ashley) McGuinness; and his five great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by many extended family members around the world, beloved friends, and neighbors, as well. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores; sons Brian and Sean; parents Thomas and Bridget (Smith) McGuinness; and sister, Moira Ledda.

Patrick, your beautiful Irish brogue echoes through our memories. God bless you. Rest in peace.