"Amy and family, I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I will always remember him as the principal at Aquidneck School. That part of my life hold very special memories and I am glad to say that Mr. Maguire was a part of that. May the future help heal your grief. Nina"
In loving memory of
James T. Maguire
September 9, 1921 - March 4, 2006
MIDDLETOWN, RI - James T. Maguire, 84, of Paradise Avenue, Middletown, RI, a retired educator, died Saturday, March 4, 2006, peacefully, with his family. He was the husband of the late Nancy Rollings Maguire. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Phillip F. and Minnie Hicks Maguire. A graduate of Providence College, he earned a masters of education degree from Rhode Island College. Mr. Maguire served in the Second World War as an Army officer in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Mr. Maguires teaching experience began at St. Michaels Country Day School in Newport, in the late 1940s. In the mid-fifty?s, Mr. Maguire moved to Middletown, where he taught in the Public School system for over thirty years, first, as an elementary teacher before becoming the first principal of the Forest Avenue School. During his tenure in Middletown, he was involved in the concept, design and building of the first Middle School on Aquidenck Island, Gaudet School, where he was the schools first principal. Mr. Maguire retired from education as the curriculum coordinator in 1986. He is survived by his children, Susan Maguire of Moncks Corner, SC, James T. Maguire Jr., of Newport, Terrence Maguire of Newport, Jane Dey of South Hold, Long Island, Penelope Bennett and Amy Maguire-Burns, both of Middletown, his brother Richard Maguire of Boca Raton, FL, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at 8:00AM from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00AM in St. Marys Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, from 4-7PM in the Memorial Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to the Middletown Education Collaborative, 220 Compton View Drive, Middletown, RI 02842.
Tributes
"I am so sorry for your loss. I have known your dad since I was in the 5th grade and I loved him very much. I will always remember the I survived the blizzard of 76 bumper sticker on his office door at Berkley Peckham. I will also remember how he stood outside of Trinity Church when I came out as a new bride. I am sorry Amy and family. I wish I was not so far away. I miss you. Love always, Susie"
"Mr. Maguire was the principal in my first teaching job at the old Berkeley Peckham School. After that it seemed I saw him everywhere and always had such fun in our encounters. I admired his positive attitude and enjoyed the joyful stories he told with pride about his children and grandchildren. He just never seemed to get older. I will miss him and hope you all take comfort in knowing he really was a beloved person. Sincerely, Gail and Anthony Ruggieri"
"Dear Maguire Family, I was saddened to learn of Jim?s death. He was a real gentleman. I am glad that I was able to work with him and care for his eyes. Thank you for your confidence. I was always impressed with how Jim raised such a loving family, essentially as a single parent, with the premature death of his wife. The ones of you that I met were impressive. As I was walking and talking with my own wife, Sheila, this morning and discussing what a nice man Jim was, she informed me that her brother, John Kissane, used to live with Terry when they worked at LaForge. She speaks very highly of your family as well. I pray that God comforts you all during this difficult time. I have great confidence that Jim is in a better place. Sincerely, Charley Collins"
"To Terry and Amy, I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. I enjoyed working with him at Aquidneck School. He was a fine principal and a kind man. I am in Florida or I would be attending his funeral. Please accept my sincere sympathy. My prayers are with you both. I am sure he was proud of both of you. Take care. Rita"