J. William McGuinness

Joseph William “Bill” McGuinness, age 87, peacefully passed away to his eternal home on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021. Fondly known by our family as Dad, Pops, JW, Lightening, Grandpa, Gramps, and lastly Papa Bill to his Great Grandchildren. Born in 1933 in Taunton, Massachusetts to Joseph David and Margaret McGuinness. Part of a proud Irish Catholic family, he was the youngest of 6 siblings. Bill enlisted in the Air Force at age 17 and was stationed in Nagoya, Japan. He loved the Japanese culture and reminisced through the years of his time spent there. Upon returning to the States, his Air Force buddy encouraged him to attend college at Fresno State, where he became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. It was there that he met his lifelong friends. We marveled at the fact that they maintained their friendship for 65 years. While living with his fraternity brothers, he met his beloved wife, Vivian Piacentini. Friends and family were everything to Bill.

Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a Minor in Psychology he began working as a Parole officer and then went to work for the State Department as a Rehabilitation Counselor. This proved to be the pivotal position that would launch his career. At this point in his life, he already had over a dozen jobs from front desk clerk at the Hotel Fresno to night shift and live-in attendant at Tinkler Mortuary, his work history was eclectic to say the least. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his first business, McGuinness Associates in 1979. Vivian’s teaching position sustained the family as Bill pioneered a new field in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. Once the business was up and running, he began doing expert testimony and did contract work throughout California. He loved doing this type of work. By the time Bill sold the business in 1989, he was a well-regarded expert in vocational rehabilitation and had offices across the Central Valley. “Retirement” didn’t last long. He pursued additional opportunities by establishing and partnering in numerous businesses including Phys Med Physical Therapy, Compcure and Ross & Castillo.

While reflecting on his life and accomplishments, we were reminded of his generosity. He was a mentor and friend and made a difference in so many lives. His greatest accomplishment was his unending generosity and unyielding dedication to family and friends. Holidays, birthdays and family vacations were something that he lived for. He often said, birthdays needed to be celebrated on the actual day so the person knew they were acknowledged and loved.

Bill was an avid gym goer. He spent many years at Racquet Time which later became Dan Gamel’s. It was there that he forged many long-lasting friendships. His 3-hour jaunts to the gym brought him so much joy. He was a real “corker”, a true Irishman who enjoyed his evening libations with friends and family.

He never let the truth stand in the way of a good joke. Bill was a slinger of the one-liners. If you couldn’t handle the digs than you probably were not a frequent visitor to the McGuinness household.

Speaking of the household, you were always greeted by Bill’s easy listening music upon entering. When Bill was awake the music was on. The music got louder as his hearing grew weaker. It is safe to say we will miss the music. When “Danny Boy” or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is played, our hearts will skip a beat and we will think of all the love we had for this great man.

Bill leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Vivian McGuinness; his sister Ann Reilly; his daughter, Kelli Arbuckle, and her husband Bill; his son, Brady McGuinness, and wife, Stefanie; his grandchildren, Garrett (wife Julie) and Brenna Arbuckle, and Carley and Blake McGuinness, As well as two great grandchildren, Levi and Logan Arbuckle.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 29th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 577 N. Maroa Avenue in Fresno, California.

Donations in Bill’s name can be made to the:

Fresno Sigma Chi Endowment

c/o Fresno Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter

PO Box 7803

Fresno, CA 93727

(559) 456-0128 or your charity of choice.