Joseph T. Maguire, Sr.

Waltham - Joe Maguire’s ninety-eight years were a lifetime of service spent to God, family, friends, his much loved community of Waltham and his country. Joe died Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Meadow Green Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. 

Joseph T. Maguire was born in Somerville on June 10, 1926, a son of the late Robert and Henrietta (Dougherty) (Crimmen) Maguire. He was 17 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for World War II. Like many brave men of his era, he put his high school studies on hold to fight overseas. He attended Somerville High School and earned his diploma.The call to serve came once again when the United States was at conflict with Korea. This time, however, he joined the Army. 

Joe was a skilled electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #103 with whom he worked for the Brotherhood for 69 years. He worked for Coca-Cola and then became an employee of the MBTA for more than 20 years before retiring in 1983.

His devotion to public service did not end with his military career. Joe was a government leader at both the state and local levels. He was a Waltham City Councilor and its President for much of his time and served as at Councilor-at-Large as well as a chair of the Conservation Commission. He also was active in the Waltham Cable Access initiative. Joe accomplished many things that made Waltham what it is today, and having been re-elected an impressive ten times, Joe’s 20-year span on the council was a true testament not only to his aptitude but also the love and appreciation his community had for him. He was also a Massachusetts State Representative from 1976 to 1978.

Joe found great peace and solace while on the water. He loved to sail and was a member of the Cottage Park Yacht Club in Winthrop and the Boston Harbor Sailing Club as well as the Metropolitan District Commission, Community Boating. When not in or nearby water he enjoyed following the New England Patriots and Notre Dame Football—and was always known to be in favor of a good party! Nothing brought Joe more love, happiness, and fulfillment than spending time with his beloved family. He was also active in the Waltham V.F.W. PFC John M. Sullivan Post #10334 and Disabled American Veterans organization.

Joe is reunited with his wife, the late Eileen M. (Molloy) and his brother and sisters, Robert Maguire, Marjorie Wilmerding, and Marie Leahy.

He leaves his children, John G. Maguire (Rosemary) of Waltham, Joseph T. Maguire, Jr. (late Linda) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Kevin E. Maguire of Morristown, Arizona, Eileen M. Corcoran (William) of Wilmington, and Susan M. Holsing (late Christopher) of North Reading; his grandchildren, Sharon Corcoran (Marcus Cyr), William Corcoran (Brenda), and Julie Cororan Bolio, John Maguire, Jr. (Ami), Steven Maguire (Tina), Kathryn Dawn Medrano, Joseph T. Maguire, III (Ksenia), Nicholas Holsing, Elizabeth Hutchison (Richard), Madison Maguire, and Drew Maguire; his great grandchildren, Ryan, Matthew, Shawn, Kendall, Kevin, Jenna, Ian, Joseph IV, Eugene, Sophia, Antonio, and Evelyn; his beloved friend, Kathleen M. Logan of Woburn; nieces & nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Joe’s life by gathering in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Tuesday, November 12th for an evening wake from 4 to 7 p.m. and again Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to V.F.W. Sullivan Post, 623 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or https://www.vfwpost10334.com or Disabled American Veterans, National Service Office, JFK Federal Bldg., Room 1551, 15 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203.