James T. Maguire

MIDDLETOWN, RI - James T. Maguire, 84, of Paradise Avenue, Middletown, RI, a retired educator, died Saturday, March 4, 2006, peacefully, with his family. He was the husband of the late Nancy Rollings Maguire. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Phillip F. and Minnie Hicks Maguire. A graduate of Providence College, he earned a masters of education degree from Rhode Island College. Mr. Maguire served in the Second World War as an Army officer in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Mr. Maguires teaching experience began at St. Michaels Country Day School in Newport, in the late 1940s. In the mid-fifty?s, Mr. Maguire moved to Middletown, where he taught in the Public School system for over thirty years, first, as an elementary teacher before becoming the first principal of the Forest Avenue School. During his tenure in Middletown, he was involved in the concept, design and building of the first Middle School on Aquidenck Island, Gaudet School, where he was the schools first principal. Mr. Maguire retired from education as the curriculum coordinator in 1986. He is survived by his children, Susan Maguire of Moncks Corner, SC, James T. Maguire Jr., of Newport, Terrence Maguire of Newport, Jane Dey of South Hold, Long Island, Penelope Bennett and Amy Maguire-Burns, both of Middletown, his brother Richard Maguire of Boca Raton, FL, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at 8:00AM from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00AM in St. Marys Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, from 4-7PM in the Memorial Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to the Middletown Education Collaborative, 220 Compton View Drive, Middletown, RI 02842.