John P. Maguire Jr.

John P. Maguire Jr., 71, of Toms River, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 22, 2023. John was born to John P. Maguire Sr. and Juanita Maguire in Newark, NJ in 1952. He grew up in Brick, NJ and graduated from Brick Twp. High School in 1971. Husband to Ellen Maguire, for whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with and beloved father of Melissa (Gerard) Vince, Christine (Ron) Basic, Jenny (John) Janusz; doting grandfather to Gerard C. Vince, III, Leo Basic, Lana Basic and his latest grandchild, John Paul Janusz. He is also survived by two sisters, Diane Maguire and Karen Evans. He is predeceased by his four brothers, William, Kevin, Robert, Patrick, and his sister, Mary.

John was Vice President at Deterrent Technologies for over 30 years until his retirement. He enjoyed going to work daily and made everyone he encountered a friend. He lended himself to mentoring and growing others as he took great pleasure in other’s success and accomplishments.

A Family Man, John loved to spend time with Ellen, and their three daughters. Seeing each of his girls move forward in life with their husbands and children was a tremendous source of joy for John. It was however his interactions with his grandchildren which brought out some of his brightest smiles. He was ever present, always willing to help, and gave the best advice. Simple activities like grilling filets in the backyard on a summer weekend, having a glass of wine, or singing to the family brought him tremendous happiness.

John was open and larger than life in both stature and presence and was open to sing renditions of Roy Orbison and Elvis with a level of competency and skill that left the hired talent and patrons in venues in shock and awe. He was a great gardener and lover of roses; President of the Jersey Shore Rose Society for several years, placing countless times for his home-grown roses. Also, an accomplished wine connoisseur, he brought the best wines for any occasion and loved to share and allow others to enjoy his latest finds. Mostly, he brought life and laughter to any social event.

An avid fisherman, he enjoyed fishing with his family and friends and was a Yankees and Giants fanatic! John also gave back to his community volunteering as a coach for girls’ youth softball in Toms River for many years, President of TRGSL for a period of time and initiating the development of the newest softball fields complex in Toms River. Getting these fields built for the girls was very important to him. He stopped at nothing to get this done as he always said, “its about the girls!”

John was a kind, generous and gentle man with a tremendous sense of humor who breathed life into any room he entered. He lived wholeheartedly and left an undeniable mark on all who were fortunate enough to have met him. He will be eternally missed by both family and friends.

John’s services were private; however, the family gives their deepest thanks to all who extended condolences and sympathies at this time.

Please enjoy a glass of wine in his honor. If you would like to leave a tribute, please visit John’s memorial website at https:www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/toms-river-nj/john-maguire-11507376