Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Kenneth Walter McGuigan, Jr. who was sent to his eternal home on April 18, 2025. Ken was born July 23, 1940, in Lynn, Massachusetts to the late Marion & Kenneth W. McGuigan, Sr.
Ken is survived and missed by his beloved wife Mary Judith McGuigan and his children; Daughter, Deborah Tung & Husband Peter; Son, Kenneth W. McGuigan, III & Wife Fawn; Son, Patrick J. McGuigan & Wife Deborah; Daughter, Caleen Dagliere & Husband Dean; Son, Shawn McGuigan & Wife Rebecca.
Known as Grandpa to his grandchildren, his memory will live on through Sarah (Matthew), Jennifer, Kenny (Erica), Jessica (Devin), Michael, Bailey, Luis (Alyssa), Alisha (Wes), Joshua, Cait Marion, and Ryan. Affectionately known as GPa, Ken treasured his great-grandchildren, Bennett, Wesley, Aiden, Mia, Ayla, Finn and Jett.
He will be dearly missed by his siblings, David (Melinda); Carolyn and Kathleen (Rusty); John (Barbara). He was preceded in death by his much-missed sister Karen (Bill).
Ken attended Harbor Creek High School in Erie, Pennsylvania and met Judy the summer after they both graduated from high school. Ken went to Gannon College, also in Erie where he was a member of the ROTC Pershing Rifle Drill Team. On September 13, 1959, Ken and Judy married and he finished college in night school over the course of seven years while supporting his growing family.
While still in college Ken started his first job at Erie Resistor Corporation where he began as a tab operator. An opportunity to become a computer programmer became available, which turned out to be his life’s work. In May of 1960 Remington Rand was a major influencer in the early development of mainframe computers, and Ken was a leader in those pioneering days of the computer age. Ken and Judy moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1964 where Ken continued to pursue his passion as a computer programmer at General Electric. He later went on to work for ITT Cannon in Pasadena, California and eventually transferred to ITT Corporate Headquarters on Park Avenue in New York City. His last position before he retired was with Madison Square Garden where he and his team developed the Point of Service System. He was incredibly proud of this accomplishment and was honored on the Madison Square Garden Marquee in New York City.
Ken enjoyed golfing, taking care of his yard, volunteering at the Church, music and spending time with his best gal, Judy.
Ken was particularly proud of his Irish heritage and his family will let you know that you could often hear the tunes of the Irish Rovers echoing throughout the house. Ken was lover of all music had a collection of his favorite songs on his computer. The radio was always on when he was driving, and you can bet he was singing along! Later in life he took guitar lessons and was happy to strum away and sing to the love of his life, Judy.
Until we are together again…..”May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.“
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28, 2025 at 11:00 at Grace Episcopal Church, 4110 S Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange, FL 32127
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