Obituary published on Legacy.com by House of Law, Inc. Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Penn Hills on Mar. 19, 2025.
In February 1942, John was born to the late John T. McGuire, Sr. and Dorothy E. McGuire in
Pittsburgh, PA. He peacefully entered Eternal Rest on March 16, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
John graduated from Peabody High School where he was a member of the football, basketball and track teams. His extra-curricular activities included the Varsity Letterman's Club, Dance Club and in the eleventh and twelfth grades Planning Committee and Student Council. He was also president, vice president and treasurer of his homeroom.
During this time, he became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where he joined the choir, the youth fellowship program and the young people's usher board.
Immediately after high school he attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and chose Mortuary Science as his major.
In 1964, John was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War Era. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal and trained as a Sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged in 1966.
John worked as an Accountant at American Bridge, in
Pittsburgh, PA for many years. Later he worked for the Pittsburgh Board of Education until his retirement as a school custodian earning his Class B Fireman's license. He was responsible for maintaining the school building and grounds ensuring the children and staff could safely and comfortably learn and work in the building.
On November 21,1981, John entered holy matrimony to Gertrude Spencer-Davis. At the time of their marriage, they had a blended family of two adult daughters, Joyce Peterson and Alyce Hill and one adult son, Eric McGuire. John and Gertrude made their home in Wilkinsburg, PA where John lived until his Eternal Rest.
John and his wife Gertrude traveled extensively on cruises, group trips and family trips visiting the Caribbean, New York, New Orleans, Mt. Rushmore, Arizona, Canada and many other places of interest in the U.S. and internationally.
John and his good friend Charles built a "man cave" cabin in Bedford, PA where they loved to hunt, fish and camp. He and his friend Charles also enjoyed going to the shooting range on the weekends.
John was a dedicated caretaker for his mother and father working with his sister, Suzanne, to be present for doctors' appointments, shifts at the hospital and nursing home. The goal was to get them back home. Because of this effort their parents were able to remain in their home for most of their later years.
He was a very gentle, soft spoken, kind spirited person. John had a giving heart. He was always there ready to help or give no matter how big or small.
John enjoyed family gatherings, hunting, camping, watching movies, listening to jazz and chillin in his man cave at home.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy E. McGuire and father, John T. McGuire, Sr.
Left to cherish his precious memory are his wife: Gertrude McGuire; sister: Suzanne Doss; daughters: Joyce Peterson, Alyce Hill (Thomas); son: Eric McGuire,Sr. (Dolores), grandchildren: Nicole Young (Reginald), Justin Peterson, Danielle Williams, Eric McGuire, Jr., Ethan McGuire, Da-ja McGuire, Emmanulle McGuire; Great-grandchildren: Reagan Young, Quincy Young; Niece and Nephew: Stacey Harris, Gregory Doss: Great Nieces and Nephews: Eric Harris, Jordyn Harris, Harlee Harris and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
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