Joseph “Phil” “Mad Dog” McVinney, Jr., of West Roxbury, passed away on March 12, 2025. Beloved son of the late Joseph P. McVinney, Sr. and Eleanore (Donovan). Dear brother of the late Anne McVinney, Paul McVinney and his wife Elaine of VA, Mary Chun and her husband Henry of Attleboro, Ellen DeAngelis and her husband Paul of Plymouth, and Stephen McVinney and his wife Christine of Norwood. Loving uncle of Jason McVinney and his wife Catie of VA, Eric McVinney and his wife Yuria of Yokohama, Japan, Michael and John McVinney both of Norwood. Great uncle of Benjamin, Madeline, Emily, and Rebecca McVinney. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends.
Phil had many outside interests. He was a member of St. Theresa’s Band from 1960 to 1972. In 1972 he became the Quartermaster for the Band and Color Guard until 1983. As a drum corps enthusiast, Phil marched with the Middlesex Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in Melrose from 1983 to1990. From 1991 to 1996 he was a member of the Boston Crusaders Senior Corps. In 1993 Phil joined the Princemen Drum Corps, and in 2000 he rejoined the Crusaders until 2010.
Phil was a dedicated employee on the support staff for the Boston Police Department for 33 years, retiring in 2013, earning two commendations for his years of service.
Phil loved watching and going to NASCAR races. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon #24. He spent many hours listening to shortwave and CB radios, as well as listening to the local police scanner in Boston and Plymouth. He was also an avid alien enthusiast; reading many books on this subject and traveling to Roswell, NM a few times to investigate more.
Phil was a longtime friend of Bill W and Phil had many years of sobriety. His family was very proud of his dedication and success.
Visiting hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury, will be on Sunday, March 16, 2-5 pm, followed by a brief funeral service at 5 pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. A private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phil may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or www.dana-farberbrigham.org or to a substance abuse program of your choice