Richard "Mick" James McGuire

Richard “Mick” James McGuire, age 87, a fifty nine year resident of Easthampton, died peacefully on Friday December 28, 2018 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton after a period of failing health.

He was born in South Hadley, MA on December 11, 1931 and was the son of the late Frederick M. and Effie (Beaudry) McGuire. He was educated in the South Hadley public schools and graduated from South Hadley High School with the class of 1949. Richard worked for many years at the former Norms Restaurant and at the Williston Northampton School in the food service department. He was married on November 14, 1952 to Ruth A. (Adams) McGuire and together they celebrated sixty six years together.He served with the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Maine, during the Korean War and he was a Yoeman 2nd Class from August 12, 1952 through August 13, 1956.

In his younger years he was an outstanding athlete and excelled his talents in baseball as a left hand pitcher and helped his team to capture the State Title for the Easthampton American Legion Post 224.He then went on to play in the industrial league before going professional playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers until an injury forced him in retirement. He was one of the many that were considered to be the founding fathers of Easthampton Little League, along time member on ELL Board of Directors, President, Coach and umpire and chief of the league. He also coached the Dalton LaVallee American Legion Post #224 for many years. He was an avid New England sports fan and loved his Patriots. He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church in Northampton.

Besides his wife Ruth A. (Adams) McGuire, he leaves three sons; James A. McGuire and his wife, Donna of Windsor, CT, Michael C. McGuire and his wife Sherry of Southampton, Stephen D. McGuire of Havelock, NC, one daughter; Laurie A. McGuire of Easthampton, five grandchildren; Amy Saletnik, Megan Saletnik, Richard McGuire, Stephen McGuire, Matthew McGuire, one great granddaughter; Tommi Korza and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother; Raymond McGuireand one sister; Marion Costin.

Calling hours for Richard J. McGuire will be held on Friday, January 4th from 4-7pm at the GRAHAM FUNERAL HOME, 18 Adams Street in Easthampton, whom honorably and proudly has been entrusted with Richard's care and services. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring at the Brookside Cemetery in Easthampton at a date and time to be announced. Donations are in his memory; ShrinersHospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or Dakin Humane Society, 171 UnionStreet, Springfield, MA 01105.

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