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Dick McGuire Obituary
The Knicks said McGuire died at Huntington Hospital in Long Island. McGuire still worked for the Knicks as a senior basketball consultant.
McGuire was a part of the Knicks' organization for 53 of its 64 seasons.
"Dick McGuire was the epitome of what it means to be a Knickerbocker: pride, tradition and class," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said in a statement. "It was an honor to watch him play for our hometown team and I consider myself very lucky to say I worked alongside a man who shaped the National Basketball Association for parts of all eight decades of its existence."
A Bronx native, McGuire was a five-time All-Star and led the Knicks to three straight NBA finals from 1951-53. He went on to serve the team as a coach, assistant coach and scout. His No. 15 was retired in 1992 and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame a year later.
McGuire still ranks third on the Knicks' career list with 2,950 assists.
Nicknamed "Tricky Dick," McGuire was born Jan. 26, 1926, in New York, part of a famed basketball family. His younger brother, Al, also played for the Knicks and later won a national championship as coach of Marquette - before being himself inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
Dick McGuire played collegiately at St. John's and was picked by the Knicks in the first round of the 1949 draft. He played eight seasons for the team before he was traded to Detroit on April 3, 1957, for a first-round pick. McGuire spent his final three seasons with the Pistons.
"Dick was one of a kind," former St. John's coach Lou Carnesecca said. "He was a great ballplayer and coach and a better human being. All of basketball is going to miss him."
McGuire is survived by his wife, Teri, four children and seven grandchildren . Funeral arrangements are pending.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
38 Entries
tom spillane
February 13, 2010
Dick was a great selfless player who put Rockaway Beach on the map,I remember dick and al tending bar when i was a teenager. Dick was quite and reserved and Al was a showman. God Bless
Rob Fisher
February 12, 2010
I grew up watching Dick play for the Knicks. His passing and assists were second to none. He made all those who played with him better players.
I really got to know him as a person when he played and then coached the Detroit Pistons. He really knew his basketball and the history of those who played before him.
He was probably one of the best coaches the Pistons ever had. The Piston roster at that time was very weak and on paper they should have finished in last place every year he coached them, but with his knowledge and skills he lead them to the playoffs every year. I am still amazed that he could do so much with so little.
Basketball not only lost a great legend but a great man also. He will be sorely missed but in our memories he will live on.
Rob Fisher for the Fred Zollner family
Crosby Family
February 10, 2010
Our prayers go out to the McGuire family, I would like to express our condolences at this time to your family, I have found the bible to be a source of encouragement; the scripture I would like to share with you is from Revelation 21: 4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
West Family
February 9, 2010
May God bless and comfort you during this time of your loss.
How you can show support
gregory wolf
February 8, 2010
dick McGuire will really be missed,Hewas a very close friend of my family and suppose to be my second cousin
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
February 8, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE MCGUIRE FAMILY,KNICKS FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR.MCGUIRE.
February 8, 2010
COACH WAS ONE OF THE BEST EVER.HIS INSPIRATIONAL TALKS HELPED IMPROVE AND SAVE MANY LIVES-INCLUDING MY OWN. I WILL NOT FORGET COACH.
DOUG COLEMAN, WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK
February 6, 2010
Feb. 10 2010
MY NAME IS John Gately and I grew up in Rockaway Beach and played basketball with Dick in St Francis de Sales parish league with both his brother Al and Bob Cousy. I moved from Rockaway Beach NY To Huntington Beach CA in 1960. I was very sadden to here of Dick's passing. I will buy a Mass card in hts honor.
Sincerely,
John G
Tom Campo
February 6, 2010
One of the favorite memories of my childhood was made possible by Dick McGuire. My best friend during Junior High was his son Richie, and each Christmas we would attend the College Christmas tournament at the Garden. Richie and I had the run of the place, eating snacks in the Press Lounge like big shots - it doesn't get better than that for a thirteen year old boy. Sometimes Mr. McGuire would play basketball with us behind Kevin Hahn's house and amaze us with his no look passes. Rest in peace Tricky Dick, and Richie, email me at [email protected]
February 6, 2010
My husband, Don Friederichs was trainer with the Knicks for 13 years in the 50's and early 60's. His days with the Knicks and all the players were very special to him. Don kept in touch with several of the players as well as Dick until his death in 1999.
Joyce Friederichs, St. Clair, Michigan
February 6, 2010
What an honor to have met Dick last year and an honor to make his travel arrangements since he was still working and traveling, obviously doing what he loved, basketball. He was a very special person and incredibly talented and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Michele Santoni
World Travel
Richard Bowden
February 5, 2010
My sympathies to Rich and family for the loss of your father. Please contact me if possible.
Gregory Brandyburg
February 5, 2010
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to your family.
Anthony Ferrara
February 5, 2010
I attended St.John's University at the
same time that Dick was playing. -
At the time I had no interest in basketball. One day I went to the gym and saw the St.John's basketball team
practice. I was so memerized by Dick's passing the ball that I became an instant basketball enthusiast. Thank you Dick for all the enjoyment that you gave me.
February 5, 2010
A sad day for basketball fans. Played at St. John's and knew Dick well. Jim Conway
Laurie Mann
February 5, 2010
How fortunate I was to be able to be at the Hall of Fame inductions a year ago with Uncle Dick and Aunt Teri.I can still hear Teri yelling at Dick as he would stand in line for hours signing autographs while other NBA players just walked by. A man of few words, but what a man he was. My thoughts,love and prayers to Teri, Richie,Leslie,Michael and Scott...God speed Uncle Dick
michael mann
February 5, 2010
to all my loving cousins i wish you my condolences at this tough time...time heals all pain...he can now rest in peace with winnie and al and also my bro john....what a great start for a pick up team in heaven!!!!....your loving nephew michael
February 5, 2010
Many a day on the playground at 108th st did I sit and watch and play with this great player and person. He took pains to show me many moves that I used later on. In addition and more important a truly great and kind person. My old coach Lou Carnesecca said Dick had the greatest periferal vision he ever saw. John Meade Poughquag NY
john meade
February 5, 2010
Many a summer day did I sit and watch and play with this wonderful man. He took time out to show me moves I used later on The 108th st Playground in Rockaway Beach was the spot where you could see many great players each day. In addition to his greatness he was the kindest gentlemen you would ever meet. My old coach Lou Carnesecca said Dick had the best periferal vision he ever saw. I will miss him greatly
Patrick Dickey
February 5, 2010
Dick("Mr. McGuire" as I always knew him)and his family were our neighbors from 1966-1976 in Dix Hills, NY. Being all of 5 or 6 at the time, I can still vividly remember this quiet, humble man playing numerous pickup games with his sons, my older brothers, and a few well-chosen ringers from his "old neighborhood" on the half-court in his backyard.
Too small to play myself(or even get the ball up to the rim, for that matter), Dick took the time on a water break to teach me how to put up free throws "Rick Barry Style" (between my legs)- a technique I later mastered and now teach to my own children and their friends today. Dick knew talent, yes - but he never forgot those little guys. What a class act!
Mrs. McGuire, Scott, Rich, Leslie, Mike - our big family extends condolences and sorrow for your loss. Your husband/father was one in a million. May you take great comfort in the knowledge that God now cradles him in the small of his hand.
With Sympathy,
The Dickey Family
michael p heslin
February 4, 2010
my e-mail is [email protected]
Michael P Heslin
February 4, 2010
To the McGuire Family,
My brother, James "Red" Heslin would travel from Binghamton, NY to the City to see Dick play and out to Rockaway in the summer,to see if he could pick up any pointers. My brother, Red, introduced my younger brother and me to Dick McGuire and also to his brother, Al,for their ability tp play and coach the game of basketball. There will never be another Dick McGuire nor another Al McGuire for that matter. May all the Irish Saints and scholars guide you through this vale of tears and May God hold you all in the hollow of His Hand. Safe home, Dick.
February 4, 2010
My dad spoke highly of Dick (and Al) McGuire. He played with them in his days at St. John's and saw them when there were basketball reunions.
Hope that you and my dad and some of the greats from that time are playing a pick up basketball game in heaven!
Rest in peace.
Family of Ivor Summer
Greenlawn, NY
R Golay
February 4, 2010
To the the family of Dick McGuire - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Dick will be missed by many.
Patty McCormick
February 4, 2010
Dick Maguire was a legend in our home. Al too! My Mother rest her soul, played Basketball with Dick and Al in Rockaway Beach. She would take all five of us to the local school where we would play basketball!She was a great shot! My Mother was Teresa Priestley, she married Ed Walsh. They both knew Dick and Al and always spoke highly of them! I feel like we're family! May the Grace of God get your family through this most difficult time. Patty Walsh McCormick/Crosswicks-N.J.
Bill mcdermott
February 4, 2010
Deepest sympathy to McGuire family,Iuse to watch Dick play in Ft.Wayne,when in high school,my coach said Dick was the best playmaker in the game and to watch him play and no one else.My opinion he and andy phillip were the two greatest playmakers NBA history.That was a great era.
February 4, 2010
dear family MCGUIRE I AM RELATED TO DICK =HE WAS ALWAYS VERY QUIET AND POLITE MAY YOU REST IN PEACE . YOUR COS HELEN GANNON ROG AND MY TWO LIVING SISTERS MARY & KAY
February 4, 2010
dear family MCGUIRE I RELATED TO DICK =HE WAS ALWAYS VERY QUIET AND POLITE MAY YOU REST IN PEACE . YOUR COS HELEN GANNON ROG
February 4, 2010
NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS ONE OF DICK'S FAN EVEN THOUGH WE CAME IN TO SYRACUSE
AS ONE OF THE HATED KNICKS. I ALWAYS
WISHED I COULD HAVE MET HIM..DICK MCGUIRE BALDWINSVILLE NEW YORK
Thomas Smith
February 4, 2010
May the God of comfort, bring comfort to the family and fiends of Dick Mcguire. We can all look forward to a time when death will be no more and when notifications of life will be heard instead of death.
JEFFREY ROBINSON
February 4, 2010
I MET DICK ONCE AT THE PIT IN "P-TOWN," VA - SUCH A NICE GUY MAY HE REST PEACE ROBINSON/MCLAIN FAMILY
Mike Flannery
February 4, 2010
I was thrilled to have been in attendance in MSG at the game in 1992 when Dick McGuire's #15 was retired, and hoisted to the rafters. Being that I was born and raised in New York, I was quite familiar with the McGuire legacy. My Uncle and Father spoke tirelessly of those summer pick-up games that the McGuire boys made famous out in Rockaway Beach. May God continue to bless the McGuire family, and may Dick rest in peace.
February 4, 2010
To The Family of Dick McGuire:
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
The Family of Walt "Clyde" Frazier
Lynn
February 4, 2010
My condolences to the McGuire family on your loss. May the Bible's wonderful promises for the future bring you comfort.
February 4, 2010
While I only played with (and against Dick) in Rockaway Beach, I met him several times. I did play against Al when he was at St. John's and I was at St. Francis College in Brooklyn. My claim to fame was that I once loaned my sneakers to Dick when we use to meet at , I think, the 110 St. basketball court in Rockaway, LI. My last meeting with Dick was when we had lunch at Sands Point CC (again, I think that was the club) following a Diocese of Rockville Centre, Catholic Charities golf event. He was not only a magnificent basketball player but a great man. Bill Gibney (formerly from Westbury, LI ... now in Pawleys Is. SC
Bill Gibney
February 4, 2010
While I only played with (and against Dick) in Rockaway Beach, I met him several times. I did play against Al when he was at St. John's and I was at St. Francis College in Brooklyn. My claim to fame was that I once loaned my sneakers to Dick when we use to meet at , I think, the 110 St. basketball court in Rockaway, LI. My last meeting with Dick was when we had lunch at Sands Point CC (again, I think that was the club) following a Diocese of Rockville Centre, Catholic Charities golf event. He was not only a magnificent basketball player but a great man. Bill Gibney (formerly from Westbury, LI ... now in Pawleys Is. SC
pam polinske
February 4, 2010
Rest in Peace thank you Jesus as You carried Dick "HOME" asking seeking knocking for peace for family friends and all who loved Dick /pam
ore coco
February 4, 2010
dick mcguire used come play pickup games around huntington area in the winter in the 1980's . he was in his 50's and we were young good athletes in our early 20's. his ball handling skills were better than any one of us. afterwards just to sit around with him telling us great stories of his era in the NBA. he was a great man who spoke softly.
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