Angel

Clay Gerald "Jerry" McGuinness, Jr.

May 15, 1940 ~ November 30, 2019 (age 79) 79 Years Old

Tribute

Clay Gerald “Jerry” McGuinness, Jr., departed this life suddenly on Saturday, November 30, 2019. He was 79 years old and the eldest of seven siblings. His parents were Clay, Sr. and Catherine Downes McGuinness. Born in New Orleans on May 15, 1940, he spent much of his childhood in El Paso and San Angelo, Texas. He returned to New Orleans in time to finish his senior year at Fortier High School. Jerry was proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He was a 61 year member of the Knights of Columbus, Marquette Council #1437, having served as Grand Knight.
At Delta Playground Jerry enjoyed coaching his children in several sports. He watched his children and grandchildren in countless games of football, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, rugby, and cabbage ball. He never missed a performance of any kind from school plays and band concerts to Mardi Gras Balls. He was a fan of the Delta Eagles, Rummel Raiders, LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints and always has a corresponding baseball cap to show his allegiance.
After completing training as a carpenter at Delgado Trades and Technical Institute, Jerry worked many years in the construction industry and retired as a Superintendent from Boh Brothers Construction Company in 1998. His second career was with Mathes Brierre Architects until 2006. If you drove on the Causeway Bridge, I-55, I-610, or visited Loyola University, Jesuit High School, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Archbishop Rummel High School or Our Lady of Divine Providence School his work has touched your life.
Jerry has an encyclopedic knowledge of Catholic League sports, anything baseball and was an avid reader. He was an expert at crossword puzzles and enjoyed traveling as long as the streets were not paved with cobblestones. A highlight of the past year was his dream trip with his wife to the Pacific Northwest that included an Alaskan cruise and a cross country drive home.
Although Jerry wasn’t the life of the party, he was always sure to be there and on time! Our quiet family man never gave more advice than needed and never told a joke that wasn’t corny. Dad occasionally told a story or two. Our “Paw” took great pride in the accomplishment of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maureen “Bonnie” McKay McGuinness and their children Erin Plauche’ (Gerard), Eileen Westholz (Matt), Barry McGuinness, Kevin McGuinness, and Brian McGuinness (Kate). He was preceded in death by his and Bonnie’s daughter, Colleen.
His adoring grandchildren include, Martin Plauche’ (Katie), Claire and Julia Plauche’, Madelyn Maldonado (Ryan), Lauren Walker (Michael), Kyle Westholz, McKay, Finn, and Graeme McGuinness, Catherine and Emma McGuinness.
“Bubba Jerr” is survived by his siblings Richard, Michael, John, and Marilyn McGuinness and Mary Cathleen Helwick (Karl). He was preceded by his sister, Carolyn.
At this time we ask for your prayers. Our loss is profound and he will be sorely missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Our Lady of Divine Providence Roman Catholic Church, 8617 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, on Thursday, December 5, 2019, starting at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Masses are preferred or please make a donation in Jerry’s name to a charity of your choice.

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Services

Visitation
Thursday
December 5, 2019

9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Our Lady of Divine Providence
8617 West Metairie Avenue
Metairie, LA 70003

Funeral Mass
Thursday
December 5, 2019

12:00 PM
Our Lady of Divine Providence
8617 West Metairie Avenue
Metairie, LA 70003

Burial
Thursday
December 5, 2019

1:15 PM
Greenwood Cemetery
5190 Canal Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70124

Cemetery

Greenwood Cemetery
5190 Canal Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70124

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