Joseph McGuire

1926 - 2017

Joseph E. McGuire

WORCESTER - Joseph E. McGuire of Worcester, MA died suddenly at his home on August 8, 2017. Mr. McGuire was born in Worcester in November 1926 and was 90 years of age. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Sheila W. McGuire, his daughter, Kristine N. McGuire of Worcester, MA, his grand-daughter, Katherine Forzley of Worcester, MA, his nephews, John K. McGuire, Jr., of Shrewsbury, MA, Joseph E. McGuire, II, of Manhattan, New York, Christopher C. McGuire of Annapolis, MD, his nieces, Caroline Llewellyn of Framingham, MA and Julia Whitney and her husband, Dustin, of Hingham, MA, his grand-nieces, Callie Llewellyn of Manhattan, New York, Megan McGuire of Hempstead, New York, Ella Whitney of Hingham, MA and Julia Whitney of Hingham, MA and his grand-nephews, John Llewellyn of Amherst, MA, Joseph Llewellyn of Framingham, MA, Connor McGuire (the last McGuire) of Philadelphia, PA and Jack Whitney of Hingham, MA. Mr. McGuire was the son of Julia K. McGuire and Joseph A. McGuire.

Mr. McGuire attended North High School and graduated from Worcester Academy. At the advent of WWII he began military service as a midshipman at the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, entering active duty aboard the ship American Corsair seeing service in the Atlantic and Pacific in 1945 earning both the Atlantic and Pacific Ribbons for wartime service. He earned degrees from the College at Georgetown University and from the Georgetown Law School. He returned to Massachusetts and entered into the practice of law with his brother, John forming the firm of McGuire & McGuire in 1952. He maintained his law practice developing a concentration in Workers' Compensation Law and was appointed to be a Commissioner on the Massachusetts Industrial Accident Board in 1957 by Governor Foster Furcolo.

Mr. McGuire continued his tenure at the Industrial Accident Board until 1964 when he resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor. He was defeated at the convention and ran again in 1966 becoming the nominee at the convention, going on to defeat Herbert L. Connolly in the primary. In the general election Mr. McGuire and his running mate, Edward McCormick, were defeated by John Volpe and Francis Sargent. Post election he returned to the practice of law and with the help of his brother grew the firm. Subsequent to the untimely death of his brother in 1985, he maintained the firm joining with his nephew, Attorney John K. McGuire, Jr., with whom he actively practiced along with Christine G. Narcisse and Paul L. Durkee, stepping down as managing partner to become the Second Assistant Registrar of Deeds in Worcester County from 1998 to 2003.

Mr. McGuire remained politically engaged throughout his career, serving as Sergeant-at-Arms at the 1960 Democratic National Convention which nominated John F. Kennedy, helping to manage Robert F. Kennedy's Presidential Campaign in 1968, as well as the campaigns of Mayor Kevin H. White of Boston. He was a long-time supporter of State Treasurers Robert Crane and Shannon O'Brien. He was a proud member of the Worcester City Democratic Committee from 1952 up until the time of his death.

Mr. McGuire was a current member of The First Friday Club of Worcester, The Clover Club of Boston, The Georgetown Club of Boston, The Worcester Economic Club, The American Legion, The American Bar Association, The Massachusetts Bar Association and The Worcester County Bar Association and parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church.

Mr. McGuire maintained a longtime affiliation with Georgetown University serving the Alumni Admissions Program interviewing applicants from 1958 to 1985. He was an active member of the Alumni Association, serving on its Board of Governors, as a Regent, and as a Regent Emeritus. In 1982 Mr. McGuire was recognized by Georgetown which bestowed upon him the John Carroll Award, the highest recognition that the University affords an alumnus. Mr. McGuire was an ardent Hoya basketball fan, maintaining a strident optimism despite the ups and downs of the team.

Mr. McGuire was possessed of a unique personality and would endear himself to most everyone he met. He had boundless energy, great dedication, a generous spirit and an unforgettable smile. He was appreciative of the opportunity that the practice of law afforded to meet people and was dedicated to his clients. He was proud of being a lifetime resident of Worcester and respected the members of the Worcester County Bar whom he believed to be imbued with a unique combination of professionalism and collegiality. He loved his wife Sheila, daughter Kristine, and grand-daughter Katie who cared for him to the end. He looked after his nieces, nephews and sister-in-law, Jane as if they were his own. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will be held at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester, on Tuesday, August 15, from 4 to 8 pm. The funeral will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street, Worcester, on Wednesday, August 16, at 11 am. Burial will be private.