Lofts J. “Mickey” McGuire – Age 84, of Dedham, died Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at home. Beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Mickey was a true gentleman and “character.” Throughout his life he had many great accomplishments. He graduated from Dedham High School in 1941 as a star track athlete who still holds the school’s record for the 220 yard dash.
His education included graduating from Seton Hall Prep in ’42, a B.S. in Education from Drake University (attending on a full track scholarship) in ’50, and a Masters of Education from Boston University. From ’42-’47, Mr. McGuire was an officer and Pilot (“catapult flyer”) for the U.S. Navy serving on the U.S.S. Missouri, the battleship that ended WW II.
His professional career included being a history teacher, coach of football, track and basketball, Athletic Director and serving as Principal of the Dedham Junior High School for 17 years, retiring in 1987. He was an avid sportsman, traveler, reader and golfer. Mickey was also very involved in the local community. He was the former Director of Massachusetts State Hockey Tournament, Veteran of the American Legion, member of the Norfolk Golf Club, Westwood and the Dedham Society of Horse Thieves.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Jean (Podolske) McGuire of Dedham, for 60 + years. His greatest joys in life were his four sons, Jeffrey R. McGuire and his wife Barbara of E. Harwich, John B. McGuire and his wife Susan of Warwick, RI, Jay D. McGuire and his wife Sandy of Norfolk and the late Dr. James L. McGuire and his wife Linda of Westboro, and nine grandchildren, Mary Lauren, Jeffrey, John, Megan, Jared, Matthew, Jessica, Owen and Jayne “The Tiger.” He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren, watching them play sports/activities, and vacationing on Cape Cod. He will be deeply missed by all family members and friends.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham, Saturday at 9 AM. Funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Friday 3-8 PM. Interment Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lofts J. McGuire Scholarship Fund, C/O The Dedham Institution for Savings, 55 Elm St., Dedham, MA 02026.