Michael J. McGuirl

Michael J. McGuirl
Utica/Sylvan Beach
The head of the Irish Clan of McGuirl, Michael J. McGuirl, L.M.S.W., passed away on Friday, March 16, 2012, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He was born February 5, 1925, in Utica, the son of the late Michael and Luva Lowell McGuirl. He was educated locally at St. Agnes School, St. Francis deSales School and in 1949 graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame. Mike earned a graduate certificate in Social Work from the University of Buffalo in 1956 and a masters degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in 1958. On September 10, 1949, he married the former Carol Hackett. Mike always said to Carol, God made you just for me. Mike and Carol, and their family and friends, enjoyed 46 happy years at their summer home, The Monsignor at Sylvan Beach, named after the late Msgr. Joseph May. Mike developed his work ethic as a waiter at his parents restaurant, The Irish House of McGuirl in Utica. He later worked at Syracuse Psychiatric Hospital, St. Josephs Hospital and both Syracuse and Utica Catholic Charities. He was elected Commissioner of Social Services for Oneida County in 1960 and served in that capacity for 14 years, resigning in 1974. In conjunction with serving as commissioner, he also taught evening classes at Utica College. While in office, Mike received numerous commendations from the state and federal governments for his outstanding work and innovations for welfare programs. He was recognized by the Utica and Rome Newspapers as well as the New York Times for his management of the Oneida County Department of Social Service. He and John F. Kennedy were the only democrats to carry Oneida County. Mike was also the youngest commissioner in the states history and the first graduate social worker to become the Commissioner of Social Service. Mike was an ardent member of the Democratic Party and its youngest Committeeman, starting at the old 13th Ward at the age of 18. He and Carol were charter members of the Young Democrats Club of Oneida County. As upstate chairman for Robert Kennedys campaign, Mike worked closely with his good friend, Walt Sheridan, Kennedys Administrative Assistant, in his successful bid for Senator from New York State. In 1974, Mike became the Director of Social Services and Discharge Planning at St. Elizabeth Hospital, a position he held for 21 years. He was most pleased to be associated with the Sisters of St. Francis, the Sisters of the Atonement, the Carmelite Sisters and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet. Mike, always a devout Catholic, was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1995, he resigned his position at St. Elizabeth Hospital to work at Lourdes Church with Monsignor William Donovan, Pastor. Mike had conceived an idea for a social service outreach program at his church and school. After it was formed, it was named the Lourdes Social Service Outreach Center, and Mike was named Administrator. It was a highlight of his career to be named trustee there and to be closely associated with his good friend, Msgr. Donovan. Mike felt blessed to be allowed to work with and for the people and priests at Lourdes and often said I couldnt have ended my career in a more wonderful place. Mikes memberships included: the William E. Burke Utica Council #189 Knights of Columbus and its 4th degree, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the National Association of Social Workers, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and its Mens Club, was a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Good News Foundation, C.A.P.A. of the Oneida County Department of Social Service and St. Agnes, St. Francis and Notre Dame Alumni Associations as well as the University of Buffalo and Syracuse University Alumni Associations. For many years, he served as chairman and worked on various committees of the United Fund and also served on many boards of directors for various agencies including: Catholic Charities and V.N.A. Mike was also a charter member of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Development Fund and its Franklin Club, was a member of the Governing Board at St. Joseph Nursing Home, and also was named Grand Marshall of the St. Patricks Day Parade in Utica in 1988. McGuirl gave much credit to his co-workers over the years, to his wife, family and friends in receiving the following awards: University of Notre Dame Man of the Year Award, NASW Social Worker of the Year Award, Marian Club Award for Service to Catholic Education, the Catholic Charities Parish Award in 1995 for his establishment of the Lourdes Social Service Program and the prestigious Msgr. Daniel E. Lawler Community Service Award in 1996. Besides his wife, Carol, survivors include two sons, Sean Patrick McGuirl, of Utica, and Michael J. McGuirl, IV, and his partner, Thomas Zahn, of Syracuse; two daughters, Mary Clare McGuirl, of Utica, and Anne Bentley McGuirl and son-in-law, Dr. Steven Kussin, of Utica; three cherished grandsons, Todd Patrick Fox, Sean Nicholas Fox and Kevin Michael Fox; his first cousins, Marion Smith and Denise Galloway; his lifelong friend, Shirley Maher; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many other friends. He was predeceased by two sisters, Betty McGuirl Mulchy and Kathleen McGuirl Powers; and his lifelong friend, Frank P. Maher, who was like a brother to him. The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the Bentz & Amodio Funeral Service, Inc., 470 French Rd., Utica/New Hartford, under the direction of his good friend, Mark C. Bentz, and 10:30 from the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by Rev. Abe Esper, Rev. Joseph Salerno, Rev. Sean OBrien and Rev. Robert Kelly, as well as several other priest friends of the McGuirl family. The eulogy will be offered by his friend, Rev. John Manno. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday evening from 4-7. Members of the Knights of Columbus and its 4th degree will meet at the funeral home Monday at 6:30 p.m. Simultaneously, along with his Funeral Mass, a Memorial Mass will be said at the University of Notre Dame. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his many friends and staff at St. Joseph Nursing Home for all their love and care extended to Mike. In Mikes memory, donations may be made to St. Joseph Nursing Home. Online condolences to www.bentzamodio.com Mike wishes the following blessing to his family and friends: An Irish Blessing Dont walk in front of me. I may not follow. Dont walk behind me. I may not lead. Walk beside me, and just be my friend.