Joseph McGuirk

Joseph McGuirk passed away January 19, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born to Bernard & Margaret McGuirk on April 7, 1925 in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Growing up in a family of five children, he was an avid swimmer, spent summers in upstate New York and was a big Brooklyn Dodgers fan.

Joseph McGuirk was a man of great faith who valued service to others over all things. Throughout his life he demonstrated devotion to his family, his God, his community and his country. Joseph served in two wars. During WW II he was active in the Merchant Marines from 1942 – 1945, and during the Korean War he served in the US Army, from 1950 – 1952 remaining in the reserves until 1956.

Joseph worked for New York Bell (a real phone company) from 1947 to 1985. Despite his lack of a college degree, his commitment to work helped him rise to a management level position. During this time, he became an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America where he was elected President of his regional chapter.

He met the love of his life, Rosemary, at Andy’s Diner in Wappingers Falls. They were married May 26, 1951. Dad showed his children what it was to be a man and a father though his active engagement and support of his children, his church and his community. He was a member of the Wappingers Council of the Knights of Columbus, and was very involved in St Mary’s Wappingers CYO; coaching swimming, basketball and softball.

Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Rosemary, his brother Peter and two sisters, Ann and Mary. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Callahan and his children; Patricia Orr (Michael), James (Beth), Teresa (Dana Kilgour), Kevin (Janet), and Mary Beth Baker (Paul). He is also watching over his grandchildren who he wants to ensure are always “Jim Dandy”: Christina Ferrell (Justin), Daniel Orr (Kela DeMauro), Caitlin Baier (Jason), Kevin Buso, Sean McGuirk, Shannon McGuirk, Margaret McGuirk, Kailey Baker, Colin Baker, and the newest generation Lyric Oshyn Ferrell. He also had a special love for his brothers and sisters in-law and their children- the “cousins by the dozens”.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida on January 23, 2015 at 11:00 am (with visiting hours beginning at 10:30). He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in his name to The Astor Foundation for Children at 6339 Mill St. PO Box 5005 Rhinebeck NY 12572, www.Astorservices.org . We also ask that you spend time with your family and let them know how important they are in your life.