Michael Francis Maguire, Sr.

Michael Francis Maguire, Sr., of Dallas passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The Rosary and Visitation will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Tx. 75225 on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 6:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday December 19, 2023 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Colgate Ave. Dallas, Tx. 75225. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, 12345 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75244 or St. Anthony Academy, 3732 Myrtle St. Dallas, Tx.75215 in Mike’s memory.

He was born on August 27, 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska to Francis Patrick and Margaret (Culkin) Maguire. The family moved to Chicago at a young age, where he spent the majority of his youth. He attended Loyola Academy, continuing a tradition of Maguire men to be educated by the Jesuits, where he was a star halfback, punter and safety on the football team. His experience at Loyola Academy guided his faith, his friendships, and the principles by which he lived.

Mike left Chicago in 1956 to attend the University of Dallas. He was a member of the first graduating class, played basketball and baseball for the Crusaders and was President of the Student Body. He was later recognized as a Distinguished Alumni for being a “Warrior for Catholic Education.” But, most importantly, it was at the University of Dallas that Mike was destined to meet another student, Rhea Crane, whom he would marry in 1959. For the next six decades, Rhea and Mike were deeply involved in the community, an inspiration to many, and their home was always open to neighbors, friends, and family.

Mike was a successful businessman, but is probably best known for the work he did, and leadership he provided, to the causes that he cared about deeply. Among the many leadership roles he played: Chairman of the Jesuit Foundation, a long time member of the Jesuit Board of Trustees and a Man of the Year Honoree, a Founder and Chairman of the predecessor to the Dallas Diocesan Education Endowment Trust, and a Founding Board Member of the St. Anthony Academy. He relished his role as a Warrior for Catholic Education.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Joseph Maguire; and sisters Sally Sullivan, Mitzi Lunney, and Jane Somers, and son Martin Maguire. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rhea Crane Maguire; sons Michael Francis Maguire, Jr., his wife Colleen and their daughters Megan Maguire and Kathleen Maguire Hosack (Joshua) ; Kevin Jerome Maguire, his wife Kerry and their children Morgan, Patrick “Mac” (Alyssa), Molly and Sean; daughter Jennifer (Maguire) Florianic, her husband Darin and their children Finley and Hudson. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Rose and Lily Maguire as well as numerous friends, nieces and nephews who will miss his steady guidance, sharp wit and sense of humor.

Mike loved his family deeply. He was known as “Coach” to many of his grandchildren and he rarely missed one of their sporting events, cheering them on from the top corner of the bleachers. His heartfelt blessing before any family meal reduced everyone to tears. He left an indelible impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him.