James P. "Muggsy" McGuinness

Youngstown - James P. "Muggsy" McGuinness, 73, of Youngstown, made his transition to his Heavenly home after a long series of illnesses on Saturday evening, May 11, 2024 with his loving family by his side.

He was born on February 10, 1951, the son of Bernard J. and Marjorie (Gaynor) McGuinness. Muggsy was especially proud to have been born and raised on the East Side of Youngstown where he attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from East High School in 1969 as a “Golden Bear”.

Muggsy began his career with the railroad as a fireman for Penn Central Railroad which later became Conrail and he retired after 28 years of service as a locomotive engineer.

Muggsy will always be remembered for his dedication to serving others, making his family always his top priority and loyalty to his friends. He loved food and cooking for others, but he especially loved watching everyone enjoy his culinary creations.

He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage, contributing and participating in the Irish community. Muggsy was a long-time member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians serving as President and Trustee and was honored as Irishman of the Year in 2014.

Muggsy had a passion for all sports, especially high school football and professional boxing. He spent many Friday nights traveling with friends to area high school football games as well as to South Bend for Notre Dame games. The greatest time of his life was watching son Bernie play football from grade school at St. Christine through high school at Ursuline and college at Allegheny College. He also enjoyed following his nephews Michael and David Merdich throughout their years in high school sports. Muggsy believed in giving back to his community and enjoyed the many years of coaching Little League baseball at The Optimist League at Mary Haddow School on the East Side and Arco Field on the West Side. He also coached football and soccer at St. Christine School. Muggsy also enjoyed playing golf and working as a starter for many years at Knoll Run Golf Course, they were like his second family.

Muggsy leaves behind to hold onto his precious memories the love of his life, his wife of over 53 years the former Carol Cardarelli whom he married January 16, 1971, a son Bernard J. (Jennifer) McGuinness of Powell, his beloved grandchildren Cameron, Angelina “Annie” and Gianna McGuinness, a brother Arthur McGuinness of Youngstown, a sister Mary Jo Kettering of Hubbard, and brothers-in-law Thomas (Christine) Cardarelli and Anthony Leone, and a sister-in-law Christina “Tina” (Christopher) Merdich along with nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents, Muggsy was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Julie Cardarelli, whom he loved as second parents. He also was still grieving the recent loss of his sister-in-law, Phyllis Cardarelli Leone

Family and friends may pay their respects to Muggsy on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 10:00 am until 10:50 am at St. Christine Church, 3165 S Schenley Ave., Youngstown where a Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am with Father Robert England as celebrant. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

Muggsy’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at St. Elizabeth Hospital Belmont Avenue and the entire staff at the Hospice House for all the care and compassion shown to Muggsy and them throughout this difficult time.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Muggsy’s family.

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