Cornelius J. Maguire

Cornelius "CJ" Maguire III, 61, passed away on February 28th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after his courageous five-month battle with kidney cancer. He was born on August 17, 1963, in Philadelphia to Cornelius Joseph Maguire Jr. and Frances Moeller.
CJ may not have been the loudest man in the room, but he was the man you wanted in the room. He loved to tell stories about his family, friends, and childhood adventures. No matter how many times he told them, his family never tired of hearing his wild tales, like the time he escaped his home at just three years old to cross Olney Avenue and order a Coke at the corner store, or riding his bike across the bridge to Pennsauken Mart in New Jersey for a soft pretzel. CJ had a deep love for his Olney neighborhood and cherished the lifelong friendships he made there.
CJ was no stranger to hardship, as his father passed away when he was only 15 years old and his mother passed after CJ turned 20. In order to put himself through school, CJ worked in the mail room at Provident National Bank and attended night classes at Drexel University. He graduated with a degree in computer information systems.
In 1989, CJ's life changed forever when he met Lore Foy in Sea Isle City. Lore jokes that she knew he was going to be her husband the minute she saw his white tube socks and short shorts. Ultimately, it was his kind heart and gentle soul that spoke to Lore and the two got married in 1992. Just one month into their marriage, at the request of Lore's dad, Ed Foy (Pop), CJ agreed to attend the Men of Malvern Retreat to bond with his father-in-law. CJ attended this retreat every year after, in honor of "Pop." CJ was above all, a family man. Dreaming of a family of their own, Lore and CJ welcomed three beautiful children, Shannon, Erin, and Joey, who became their world.
CJ was the most loving, selfless father. He would do anything for his family. His love for his children shone through in every moment he spent with them. CJ was their Uber driver, tutor, financial advisor, exterminator, and much more. He was the perfect blend of a girl dad and boy dad, happily attending Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga concerts with his daughters while sharing his passion for Philadelphia sports with his son. CJ ensured that his children had every opportunity that he never had.
He made time for everyone in his life, especially God. CJ received the honor of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus in 2010. CJ and Lore attended church every Sunday morning and scheduled their activities around Eagles football. CJ was thrilled to see his team capture their second Super Bowl in February 2025.
He loved Bruce Springsteen, binging TV series, annual golf trips with his childhood friends, spending time down the shore in Ocean City, and Diet Coke. Although he was a Philly boy through and through, he spread his kindness all over the world when he traveled for work, from Germany to Greece, to India, France, and China. He ultimately built his career at SAP America, working there for over 25 years in software sales and consulting before retiring in 2024.
While many will miss CJ, it may be Charlie, the Maguire family's first and only dog, who will miss his "Poppy" the most. Charlie was CJ's fourth child, and every night, he slept in bed between Lore and CJ. Wherever CJ was, Charlie was right there next to him.
At the end, CJ fought his cancer with courage and strength every day. Even in his final months, he protected his family from seeing the pain he endured, only shedding tears when he thought about leaving his family. As a strong Irishman, CJ was never scared of death. He loved his Notre Dame sports, and it was fitting for him, as they are the "Fighting Irish."
Many may not know this about CJ, but he always dreamed of being a pilot. We now know that he is flying among the clouds, watching over his family and friends, free from pain and reunited with his loved ones.
CJ is survived by his wife Lore (nee Foy) and his three children, Shannon, Erin (fiancé Thomas Katelhon) Joey Maguire, his mother-in-law, Claire Foy, his brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. CJ is pre-deceased by his father, Cornelius Joseph Maguire Jr., his mother, Frances Moeller, his father-in-law, Ed Foy, and his half-sister, Margaret Ann Day.
Family and friends are invited to CJ's Life Celebration on Saturday, March 8th, 2025. The visitation will be from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at John F. Givnish Funeral Home of Buckingham (4886 York Rd Buckingham, PA 18912) followed by mass at 12 noon at St Martin of Tours in New Hope (1 Riverstone Circle New Hope, PA 18938).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Malvern Retreat House or the American Cancer Society in CJ's honor.