Raymond “Reds” W. McGinn

Raymond “Reds” W. McGinn, age 79, of Hatfield died on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Doylestown Hospital.  Surrounded by his beloved family, Reds passed away as a result of sudden cardiac arrest.  He was the loving husband of 56 years of Darline (Bishop) McGinn.  Born in Hatfield, he was one of five children of the late John and Margaret (Pote) McGinn.   Preceding Reds in death are his brothers: George, John, and James and is survived by his younger sister Margaret (Margie) O’Malley.  Reds and Darline married in 1955 producing a legacy of four children (Jeff, Cindy, Rick and Mike), ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild.  His oldest son Jeff and his wife Diane (Panasewicz) reside in Telford, Pa and have three children: Brandon, Brianna and Cory.  Their daughter Cindy and her husband Scott Shull reside in Green Lane, Pa and have four children: Melissa (Rosenberger), Jennifer, Dylan and Tyler.  Second son Rick and his girlfriend Susan Walsh reside in Schwenksville, Pa.  Rick has two children: Jason and Erin (Schaefer), and one grandson: Jacob.  The youngest son Mike and his wife Robin (Baccaro) reside in Worcester, Pa with their daughter Devon.  Finally, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews where he is kindly known as “Uncle Reds”.  The “Reds” nickname came about because of his bright red hair.

Reds made his Hatfield his home for life.  He loved the town, the people and everything associated with Hatfield.  As a young boy, he worked at the Hatfield Train Station Stockyards loading and unloading livestock and at the Hatfield Speedway with his father.  He later attended and graduated from Hatfield High School.  Upon graduation, Reds joined the United States Navy where he served his country honorably as a cook on the attack transport vessel, U.S.S. RockBridge, during the Korean War.  After his naval service, he and Darline married.  Reds owned and operated The Three Guys Tavern in Lansdale with two of his brothers and later worked at Philco Ford, also in Lansdale. In 1964, Reds became an owner and operator of the Trolley Stop Delicatessen.  Housed in Hatfield trolley station building, which was no longer an active stop of the old Liberty Bell High Speed Trolley Line, Reds found his calling, offering groceries, meats, dairy products and sandwiches. From 1964 to 1994, Reds operated the deli with family and friends touching the lives of many employees and customers.  Always greeting people with a hello and smile, he knew that treating people with respect and providing good service were the keys to being successful in business and in life.  His daughter Cindy along with her husband, Scott, now own the Trolley Stop and up until the time of his passing, there was a good chance you would have still seen him in there stocking shelves, greeting and talking to customers.

In addition to the Trolley Stop, Reds supported the community in many other ways.  He was a member of the Hatfield Volunteer Fire Company where he acted as a Fire Policeman and is a founding member and lifelong parishioner of Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church.  He was an also avid supporter of the Hatfield Little League and Hatfield Chamber of Commerce.  Reds was an athlete and huge sports fan even trying out for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team at one point.  Particularly, he loved the Philadelphia sports franchises, following every game and decision as if he were the manager or owner.  Reds also enjoyed singing, dancing and telling jokes.  He was always entertaining people and making them smile.  He enjoyed playing the state lottery and reading “The Reporter” each day.  His favorite thing to do was to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren.  The best quality of Reds is simply that he put the happiness and needs of others in front of himself.

The family will receive friends Sunday Evening, December 18, 2011, from 5:00-9:00pm at St. Maria Goretti Church, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield, Pa 19440.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Monday, December 19, 2011, at 10:30am also at St. Maria Goretti.  The family will receive friends again on Monday Morning from 9:00-10:15am prior to the Mass.  The burial will be immediately following the Mass at the Hatfield Cemetery on Hatfield-Souderton Pike, Hatfield, Pa, 19440.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. McGinn’s name can be sent to the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, Pa 19002 or to Saint Maria Goretti Parish, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield, PA, 19440.  Arrangements are by Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, Lansdale.

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