Edwin D. McGuinness

Who is Edwin D. McGuinness?

Edwin Daniel McGuinness was Providence's first Irish Catholic mayor.

The Honorable Edwin Daniel McGuinness was a native of Providence, Rhode Island. He served as the first Irish, Catholic Secretary of State for the state of Rhode Island. He subsequently was elected city alderman of Providence. His political career continued and he was elected Mayor of Providence

Regrettably the political responsibility took a toll on his health and he suffered a nervous breakdown during his second term as Mayor. No amount of recuperation could restore his health. He died at his home in Providence at the age of 45.

In 2007 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.