Edward Addison McGinity, a former purchasing agent and founder of a company that sold cast-iron manhole covers and similar products, died Nov. 3 of complications after surgery at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He was 74 and lived in Phoenix, Baltimore County.
Mr. McGinity was born in Baltimore and raised in Guilford. He was a 1949 graduate of St. Paul's School. His college studies at the Johns Hopkins University were interrupted when his Naval Reserve unit was activated during the Korean War.
After completing his service in naval intelligence, he returned to Hopkins and earned his bachelor's degree in the early 1950s.
He worked as purchasing agent for Vulcan Rail Co. and Inland Steel Co. before establishing E. A. McGinity & Co. in 1954. He represented foundries that specialize in the manufacture of manhole covers and cast-iron tree and drainage grates.
"He sold tree grates that were installed at the old Memorial Stadium, Oriole Park and Ravens stadium, and regular drainage grates used at Reagan National Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Dulles Airport and the Inner Harbor," said his wife of 53 years, the former Jean Sheeley.
Mr. McGinity also sold cast-metal shields that were installed on the fencing that surrounds the White House, his wife said.
He retired about a decade ago from the business, which is still operated by the family.
He was also an avid student of trees and particularly fond of evergreens, hollies and azaleas.
He was a member of the Country Club of Maryland and Baltimore Country Club, where he designed landscaping installed on the first tee of its Five Farms golf course, family members said.
Mr. McGinity was a member and former president of the Grachur Club, a Presbyterian church-sponsored group whose camp and clubhouse is on the Magothy River. He also enjoyed golfing.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 20 at Valley Presbyterian Church, 2200 W. Joppa Road in Lutherville.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Dale E. McGinity of Phoenix; two daughters, Terri McGinity Vito of White Hall and Kitty M. McClaning of Jarrettsville; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
