Leonard McGinnis

Leonard D. McGinnis, 73, of Wells, died on Wednesday December 7, 2005 at his home. He was born in Sanford on August 27, 1932 the oldest child of Harold and Jeannette (LeBrun) McGinnis. He graduated from the former St. Ignatius high School in 1950.He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maine in 1954 and later served in the US Army. He earned a Master's Degree in Education at Boston University in 1962 and completed additional graduate studies at Springfield College, Framingham State College, and the University of southern Maine.Leonard spent 41 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, high school administrator, and adult education director in Kittery; Mills, Massachusetts; Framingham, Massachusetts; Waterville; and Sanford. He was director of adult education for the Sanford Public Schools from 1977 to 1997, when he retired. He gained particular satisfaction from participating in community-wide efforts to expand and improve basic learning opportunities for adults, resettlement for new immigrants, preparation and support for young mothers, and workplace education.He was involved in professional education activities throughout his career. He served as a founding member, president, and long-term executive committee member of the Maine Association for Public School adult Education, and he was a frequent presenter at state and national conferences. He helped to establish and guide the Master's Degree in adult Education Program at the University of southern Maine, where he taught courses for several years.He married Alma Claire Glynn in Lynn, Massachusetts on July 21, 1962. Leonard maintained a lifelong interest in reading, writing, history, and traditional music., and her furthered those interests through the use of computers during his retirement. He was also interested in sports history and was a long-suffering Red sox supporter. He gained a special satisfaction in the Red Sox winning the American League Championship series and the world Series in 2004.He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Lorraine McGinnis Picard. In addition to his wife of 43 years he is survived by a sister, Claire Tash of Rochester, NH, and eight nieces and nephews.At his request there will be no public visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Sanford on Saturday December 10 at 1pm. Interment will be at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford at the convenience of the family.It was his desire that anyone wishing to contribute in his memory make a donation to Literacy Volunteers of Greator Sanford, 883 Main Street, Suite 4, Sanford, Maine 04073.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street Springvale, MaineCondolences may be expressed at the tab at left.