James F. McGuiness

WORCESTER-James F. "Fran" McGuiness, 98, formerly of Boyden St. passed away Tuesday, December 22 in the Shrewsbury Nursing Center from complication due to Covid-19.

His wife of 55 years, Irene W. (McGrath) McGuiness died in 2009. He leaves a daughter, Karen M. Galicia, and her husband, Pedro, of Auburn; their children Ashley Koen and her husband Daniel, Tyler Galicia and his fiancee, Courtney, and Jean Paul Galicia and his wife Germania. He also leaves a son, Brian F. McGuiness, and his wife, Theresa, of Oxford; their children Caitlin McGuiness and her fiancée, Jon, and Kate DeMaio and her fiance, Justin; five great-grandchildren: Nora and Margo Koen, and Kony, Cole, and Madison Galicia and many nephews and nieces. A brother, Walter McGuiness and a sister, Elizabeth Peterson predeceased him. He was born in Worcester, son of Walter and Elizabeth (McKeon) McGuiness and graduated from St. Peter's High School and received his Master's degree in Social Work from Boston College.

Fran was an assistant director of DSS for the State of Massachusetts for many years, before retiring. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and very active in various church committees. Fran was also a former board member of the Nazareth Home for Boys. He loved his trips to Culpeppers for Coffee with friends. He spent most of his time with his beloved grandchildren who fondly referred to him as "Pinky". He was a devoted and loving husband and father.

Out of an abundance of caution with COVID 19. Calling hours, funeral service and entombment in St. John's Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nazareth Boy's Home, Mulberry St., Leicester, MA 01524.