John McGuire
May 1, 1924 – June 2, 2022
John McGuire, 98, of Washington DC, formerly of New City, New York and Woodstock, New Brunswick, passed away at home on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 following a long and fulfilling life. His family was by his side.
John was born in Woodstock, Canada on May 1,1924 to James and Jennie (Crabb) McGuire. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Newburg where John spent his formative years growing up on the McGuire family farm. He had fond memories of a vibrant community in Newburg, which included attending class in a one room schoolhouse, serving as altar boy at the Catholic Church and picking strawberries in the summer for three cents a box. John left high school after the unfortunate early death of his father in order to work in the lumber industry to help earn money for the family. He eventually graduated from Woodstock High School and enlisted in the Canadian Royal Army to fight in WWII. The war, however, ended while John was en route to the Japanese theater.
John’s next stop was Ottawa University, but funds were tight and he decided to head for the workforce in an entirely new place. He chose New York City because it presented the most opportunity for employment and he heard that “the streets were paved with gold.” John began his career in NYC at Bankers Trust on Wall Street. While on a return trip to Woodstock, John was introduced after church to Natalie Karnes, also from Woodstock. She too had gone to live in New York City to work as a nurse. Their courtship continued back in New York and Natalie became the love of John’s life. They were married at St. Gertrude’s in Woodstock on June 2, 1962.
After the birth of their first daughter, they moved to Rockland County in the suburbs of NYC. John worked as an independent insurance broker for over 35 years. During his time in New City, John joined the Knights of Columbus as a way of helping others and giving back to the community. During his 45 years as a member, he held the leadership positions of Grand Knight and District Deputy (DD). As DD he worked with the K of C chapter at West Point Military Academy. He found it very rewarding to work as a mentor of the young cadets of West Point. He was also an active member of the Elks Club and rose to the position of Exalted Ruler.
In 2002, John retired and he and Natalie decided to move to Maryland to be near their two daughters and their families. Throughout his long and eventful life, John was never happier than when he was spending time with his loving family.
John is predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Natalie (Karnes), his brother Clayton, and his sister Dorothy. He is survived by daughters Pam (Jim) Del Vecchio of Darnestown, Maryland and Melissa McGuire (Andy Miller) of Washington, D.C. He was blessed with 8 beautiful grandchildren, Timmy (Mary), Philip, Andrew, and Thomas Del Vecchio, and Christian, Andrew, Catherine, and Brendan Miller, his great-grand-daughter, Natalie Del Vecchio, as well as his younger brother Ronnie of Ontario. He was also loved by his many nieces and nephews.
A mass in celebration of John’s life will be held on August 8th at 11:00 am from St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada. His final resting place will be at Calvary Cemetery beside his wife, Natalie.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s name may be made to The Calvary Catholic Cemetery, The Newburgh Catholic Church or the Woodstock Knights of Columbus.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John McGuire May 1 1924 June 2 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Woodstock, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick