Richard Owen McGuiness

Richard Owen McGuiness

Rutland Town-Richard "Dick" Owen McGuiness passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2025. He was born on November 15, 1937, in Whitehall, NY, to Dorothy and Edward McGuiness. He attended Fair Haven Union High School where he excelled at sports before graduating in 1956.

On November 25, 1961, Richard married the love of his life, Joyce Brayton, at St. Raphael's Church in Poultney, VT. Together they built a home in Rutland Town, where they raised their four children and shared sixty-two wonderful years of marriage.

Richard was a devoted husband and father. He was actively involved in his children's lives, coaching Little League and volunteering with the Mill River Booster Club. A lifelong outdoorsman, Richard passed down his love of hunting to his sons, helping shape them into the skilled hunters they became. He was a proud member of the Hidden Valley Hunting Club.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Richard served proudly in the National Guard and worked as a machinist at General Electric until his retirement in 1995.

In retirement, Richard found great joy in being an active grandfather, affectionately known as "Pop" to his five grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer a ride, or just spend time watching the kids. He enjoyed berry picking and long rides with his beloved Joyce.

Richard was grateful for the close bonds he shared with his four brothers-in-law, Vern Brayton, Mark Brayton, Gary Brayton, and Wayne Charron, with whom he shared many good times over the years.

He is survived by his son Randy McGuiness of Chittenden; his daughter Mary McGuiness Smith of Rutland Town and her sons, Ben and Ian Smith; his daughter Kristine McGuiness (John Havens) of Rutland and their son, Finn McGuiness; and his daughter-in-law Kristen Caliguiri of West Rutland and her daughters, Maddison and Mallory McGuiness.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce; their son, Jeffrey McGuiness; and his sisters, Jane Charron and Judy Ouellette.

Richard will be remembered as a stubborn Irishman with a sharp sense of humor, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be no calling hours.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Fair Haven, Vermont, with burial to follow at St. Raphael's Cemetery in Poultney, Vermont.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vermont Heart Association or Poultney Fish & Game Club in care of Aldous Funeral Home, 44 North Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701