In Memoriam – Michael McGuire
NORTHAMPTON – Michael P. McGuire, 66, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, in Northampton.
Michael was born in Lewiston, Maine, to the late Florence (Dietrich) and Francis McGuire. He graduated from the Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, received his associates degree from Wentworth Institute and his bachelor’s in sociology from the former Boston State College.
He went on to teach in many capacities, including at Cathedral High School in Springfield, and for the American Real Estate Academy teaching real estate licensing courses. Most recently Michael was employed as director of human services at Pete’s Tire Barn out of Orange, where he was a well respected and invaluable employee and friend for the past 30 years.
In his free time, Michael enjoyed working on family genealogy, spending time at his homes in Vermont, and Nova Scotia, and caring for his beloved grandson Ryder and his nieces and nephews. Michael worshipped at St. Elizabeth’s of Northampton, where he was a faithful member.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary (Neffinger) McGuire; son Davyn McGuire and his wife Rebecca White; grandson Ryder McGuire; brother Steven McGuire and his wife Jane; sisters Coreen Robert and her husband Norman and Jeanne Hosmer and her husband Don; his father-in-law Norbert Neffinger of West Springfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives. He was truly blessed with his large family and numerous friends.
Michael was predeceased by his sister Donna Small.
There will be a Liturgy of Christian Burial Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 99 King St., Northampton, burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, West Springfield. Calling hours are Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield.
The family would like to thank the CC Unit at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital for the care they gave Michael during his time there.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s name may be made to the Northampton Survival Center, 265 Prospect St., Northampton, MA 01060.
Published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette: February 25, 2015