Michael Arthur McGuire

1939 - 2021

Michael Arthur McGuire, 81, of Manchester passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at his home with his beloved wife Marie at his side. He was the devoted husband of Marie Michelle (Futtner) McGuire, the love of his life for almost 57 years. Michael was born May 27, 1939 to William Patrick McGuire & Ellen "Gert" Fitzgibbons McGuire at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Michael lost his father at an early age. John "Jack" Shanahan was second husband to Gert and step father to Michael. Michael graduated from Rockville High School and worked any job he could find to pay his way through Central Connecticut State College where he earned his B.S. in Industrial Education. He met and fell in love with Marie while pursuing his degree and they married on April 11th, 1964 at St. Rose Church in East Hartford. From this point forward, Michael was a devout Catholic with Marie. After graduating from Central, Michael became an industrial arts teacher and took numerous jobs on the side to provide for his growing family of four daughters. He continued on to the University of Connecticut to attain his Masters in Vocational and Technical Education and his 6th Year in Administration of Vocational and Technical Education. His education career's final stop was as Director of Vocational Education in Willimantic. In 1975, Mike and Marie took a leap of faith as avid business people and bought a restaurant in Vernon called Tasty Chick which they successfully ran themselves for 14 years with the help of their daughters and many loyal employees. Mike and Marie moved the family to Ashford to start their third act as Christmas tree farmers. As the children grew up and moved on, the couple moved to Wells, Maine for several years, returning to Connecticut in 2017. Mike stayed involved in volunteerism, traveled, and was an avid fisherman and wood worker. Since returning to Manchester, Michael had been proud of his back porch farm of vegetable and flower plants. Michael's accolades and memberships include serving as President of Phi Delta Kappa International Society of Education, an Ashford Town Selectman, the Ashford Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, a Knights of Columbus member for 50+ years, the co-chair of the 1995 International Special World Olympics representing local towns, and the host of the Special World Olympics delegation from Egypt. He was also elected as one of the Ten Top Vocational Educators in the United States while teaching. Michael was the ultimate Irishman with his quick wit, willingness to go out of his way to help others, and amazing resourcefulness; He was also a great teller of entertaining stories. Michael was interested in anyone and anything that passed in front of him, reflecting about what he was seeing with a discerning eye. He could see possibilities everywhere, making him a joy to talk with at length. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife Marie, Michael will be dearly missed by his four daughters: Patricia Steltzer and her husband Edward of Arundel, Maine; Mary Ellen McGuire and her husband Bediako George of Washington, D.C.; Michelle McGuire and her husband Gary Murfitt of Kennebunk, ME; Allison Uccello and her significant other Tom Caraceni of Webster, MA; ex son-in-law Robert "Rob" Uccello of Millbury, MA; his five grandchildren McGuire and Archer Uccello, Imani and Liam George, and Aiden Murfitt; a sister Katherine "Katie" Pikosky and her husband Michael Pikosky of North Haven; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Michael was predeceased by his six brothers: William "Billy" McGuire, James "Jay" McGuire, Robert "Bobby" McGuire, Richard McGuire, Patrick McGuire, and John "Johnny" McGuire; his son-in-law, Barry Pfeffer; and his grandson, Connor Omari George. Funeral service will be Tuesday (April 6, 2021) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at The Church of the Assumption, South Adams Street, Manchester. Burial will follow at Ellington Center Cemetery, Maple Street, Ellington. The family is asking that everyone please go directly to the church on Tuesday morning. Michael's family will receive relatives and friends on Monday afternoon (April 5, 2021) from 4 – 6 p.m. at the D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to please wear a face covering and adhere to all of the regulations from the CDC, church, and funeral home chapel. Due to the COVID-19 virus, the family will be planning a Celebration of Life for Michael in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.