McGUINNESS - Thomas F., 70 of Northport, New York, died suddenly February 7, 2009. He was born December 5, 1930, son of the late Edward and Isabelle McGuinness. A Brooklyn transplant, he resided in Northport, NY with his wife of 49 years, Vera and their Jack Russell Rocky. Tom was the founder and former president of the Suffolk County Court Employees Association. He and his team defeated the incumbent CSEA for representational rights in 1979 and continued as its president from that date until his retirement in October 2002. He loved the union and his members. Always strong willed, never shy. It was the tenacity that always got a "little more" for his members. His motto was "never negotiate for yourself". Tom is also survived by his sons, Thomas, of Pittsburgh and Michael of East Northport, his brother Eugene of Northport and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased in death by his brother Edward and his sister Isabelle. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernian in Huntington, The Wading River Knights of Columbus, Law Enforcement Alliance of America and Fraternal Order of Police. Visitation will be Wednesday 7-9pm and Thursday 2-5 and 7-9 at Nolan Taylor-Howe Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Ave, Northport, NY 11768. Funeral Mass at St. Philip Neri RC Church 344 Main St., Northport, Friday at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Intrepid Fallen Hero's Fund, 1 Intrepid Square, NY, NY 10036 or US Airways Educational Foundation, 4000 East Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034.