John McGuire

John Edward McGuire, 75, formerly of New Alexandria and Wintersville, OH, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018. John spent the last 3 years of his life on Chincoteague Island, VA, achieving his dream of living at the beach.

John was the son of the late John Thomas McGuire and Marie Huebert McGuire.  Raised in Pittsburgh, he graduated from Holy Innocents High School in 1960, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University, and his Master of Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh. 

John started his career as a Pittsburgh Public School teacher and active member of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.   From 1969 through his retirement in 1993, John was Director of Library Services at Jefferson Technical/Community College (which became EGCC) in Steubenville. A teacher at heart, he taught English and communication classes even after retiring, helping hundreds of students find their voice and the confidence to speak in public. John was proud to help empower and give voice to his co-workers as a major force in organizing and leading the first professional staff union at the college.

When he wasn’t reading, John was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. He served in many leadership roles, including President of the Jefferson County Sportsman’s Association and Ancient Order of Hibernians. John was a lifelong devoted fan of the Pirates and Steelers. He also loved a good game of table tennis, and didn't lose many of them.

In addition to his wife, Gretchen Higgins McGuire, survivors include their son, Casey Higgins McGuire of Chincoteague, VA; his children, Jeanine McGuire (her husband Rich Ware, and daughter Alex) of Jacksonville, FL; Becky McIntyre (her husband Brian, and daughter Bailey) of Mooresville, NC; John C. McGuire (his wife Debbie, son Johnny, and daughter Molly) of Center Township, PA; and their mother Stephanie Wendell of Wintersville, OH; his sisters, Helene Sparvero and her husband Ron, of Pottsville, PA, Noreen Snyder of Ambridge, PA, and their families.

John’s family will host a memorial reception on Thursday, June 14 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Masonic Temple, 227 N 4th Street, Steubenville, Ohio. 

Memorial donations may be sent to: The Friendship Room PO Box 53 Steubneville OH 43952 or The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County Attn: Ralph Parissi 4141 Mall Drive Steubenville OH 43952.

Memorial tributes may be shared with the family at http://www.williamsfuneralhomes.com/notices/John-McGuire.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home. 

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