Ralph Eugene McGirk Jr.

Ralph “Sonny” McGirk, 82, of Williamsburg, VA, born on July 21, 1939 in Altoona, PA to the late Ralph and Cecilia McGirk, went to our Heavenly Father on January 10, 2022. Ralph is survived by the love of his life, Robin June McGirk (Konchnik) with whom he shared 57 years; children Shauna Winters and husband, Tom of Greensboro, GA and Todd McGirk of Fort Mill, SC; grandchildren Brad Winters of San Francisco, CA and Annalise Winters of Chicago, IL; sister Kay Loy and husband Jim of Williamsburg, VA, sister-in-law Lynn Nelson and husband Daryl of Culpeper, VA. He was predeceased by sisters Carol Riley and Bonnie Phelan. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. As a graduate of Altoona High School (PA) in 1958, Ralph was a starter on his high school basketball team that played for a state championship. He was also an outstanding football player, known as “Golden Toe”. Ralph played football and basketball for the Raiders at Shippensburg State Teachers College (PA) where he earned his business degree in 1963. Ralph devoted a 36-year career in education at the high school level, mostly at T.C. Williams High School, where he was a business/economics teacher and head coach of the girls basketball program. Coach McGirk instilled important life skills and values that influenced the lives of his many students. Following seven years of phenomenal high school coaching success, Ralph was called to the position of assistant coach and recruiter to the Georgetown University Women’s Basketball Program. In addition, Ralph was a certified football official for the Virginia Scholastic Officials Association for 25 years. Ralph had a great passion for life. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed rooting for his favorite sports teams. He and Robin loved to explore and travel together. A stranger to none, Ralph had a marvelous gift of creating and cultivating friendships. Ralph’s generosity, storytelling and humor was unparalleled. Together he and Robin created a warm and welcoming home. His love and devotion to family and friends was exemplified in every aspect of his life. His proudest role was being Grandad to Brad and Annalise, who he admired and loved more than life. Our family welcomes you to celebrate Ralph’s extraordinary life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 15 at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185. Interment will be held at a later date in Altoona, PA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Amyloidosis Foundation in memory of Ralph McGirk at https://amyloidosis.org/ and select “Donate”.