George "Mac" McIninch Jr.
July 10, 1923 - July 15, 2013
Barkhamsted, Enfield & Wethersfield
Memorial Service: 11:00 am July 22, 2013 at 34 Beaver Rd. Wethersfield, CT 06109
Visitation: 9:00 to 11:00 am July 22, 2013 at 34 Beaver Rd. Wethersfield, CT 06109
George Herbert McIninch Jr. “Mac” 90 of Barkhamsted, Wethersfield, & Enfield, passed away peacefully on Monday July 15, 2013 at Parkway Pavilion in Enfield surrounded by his family. He was born July 10,1923 in Old Town ME, the son of the late George H. and Irene (McAuliffe) McIninch Sr. George graduated from Old Town High School in 1942. In May of 1943 he was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII. On June 6, 1944, while on his tour of duty, he and other allied forces led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on "D-Day. He also fought in the battles of Northern France, Rhineland and Ardennes. While serving his country, George received several decorations and citations of honor: Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and the Croix de Guerre. He was honorably discharged in 1945 when the war ended. In 2004, George returned to France to celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day, with fellow comrade and close friend Ray LeTourneau. Both he and Ray along with hundreds of WWII vets were honored by President George Bush that day, as he came to Normandy to pay tribute to the men of “D-Day," President Bush said, "These are courageous men and gallant leaders in the cause of freedom.”After the war, “Mac” was employed by the Joe Sewell Company of Old Town Me., as a surveyor. In 1948 he moved to New Hartford Connecticut where he worked for Underwood Typewriter and the Collins Company. In 1955 he went to work for The Hartford Machine Screw Company, presently known as Stanadyne Automotive. He began as a machine operator, and after 22 years of dedicated service, Mac retired in 1983 as a Mechanical Engineer.Over the years Mac has worn many “hats” all of which define his countless personal and professional achievements. He wasn’t afraid to to stand up to loss of life or venture out and try new things, regardless of the odds. “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again”. He not only quoted this, he lived it.Back in the day, he owned a small country store known as “Mac’s Sporting Goods”. He was a town constable, a Webelos Scout master, an NRA leader, who strongly believed in gun safety; and a long time dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign War, to name a few.After retiring, Mac took great pleasure in the time he spent at Camp, in Great Pond Maine with his family & friends. From the time he was a boy to now, his summers were spent hiking, canoeing, fishing and puttering around camp. His true passion was his ATV. Mac spent many years “four wheeling” in the woods of Great Pond with the “F Troop” and his son in law George. By Fall Mac was geared up for hunting season. Thru out the winter months, he enjoyed his grandchildren, his work shop & spending time in Florida with Geno, Deb & Gin.Mac was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved well and was well loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Good Night Man in the Moon. We love you.George is survived by five daughters, Ginny Groover of TN, Debbi Ballway and her husband Gene of TN, Diane Withee and her husband George of Barkhamsted, Allison McIninch of Wethersfield, Sharon Ouellette and her husband Brian of Enfield. He also leaves behind two stepsons, Edward Bogus and his wife Carolyn of Enfield, Michael Cote and his life partner Heidi of Windsor Locks, a stepdaughter Bonnie Arsenault and her husband Robert of ME, a brother Donald McIninch and his wife Linda of ME, two sisters, Beatrice Cyr and her husband John of FL. and Marjorie Migausky of MA. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Dale Sasser of TN, Sean Sasser and his wife Regina of TN, Julie Shingleton and her husband Orman of FLA. Melissa Balavender of Torrintgton, Natasha Distin and her husband John of East Hampton, Michalle Withee of Winchester, Helen Stec of Wethersfield, Aidan Stec of Wethersfield, Liam Stec of Wethersfield.He also leaves behind 4 step grandchildren, Deborah Goff and her husband Christopher of East Hampton, Wayne Bogus and his wife Leanne of Enfield, Desiree Haskins and her husband Robert of Enfield, Denise Colletti and her husband Richard of Enfield, He also leaves behind many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rita Bouchard McIninch, and by his second wife Helen Pudock McIninch the love of his life, a brother Ernest McIninch and his stepdaughter Barbara Bogus. Friends may call from 9-11a.m. Monday July 22, 2013 at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd Wethersfield, CT. 06109. A memorial service celebrating Mac’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. To extend online condolences, please visit farleysullivan.com.