A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Dec. 19 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, Avon by the Sea, for Joseph ‘Pops’ McGuire, 90, of Avon by the Sea. He passed away Dec. 15 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Hoboken. After attending St. Peters Prep in Jersey City and graduating from Seton Hall University, he entered the business world which he left shortly thereafter to become a teacher. He retired as an administrator in the Hoboken school system almost 30 years ago and enjoyed his retirement in his Avon by the Sea.
He served in the U.S. Air Force in both England and France during WWII. Pops loved attending Monmouth Park and going to the gym every morning, which he did up until a few months ago and where he made many lasting friendships. But his greatest joy came from family and friends. He loved few things more than a barbeque surrounded by his family, the last of which was in celebration of his 90th birthday. He was an avid reader and spent many afternoons doing so while sitting on his balcony, enjoying the sun and watching the ocean.
He was a kind and generous man and will be greatly missed by many. Joe was predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Theresa (nee: Romano) McGuire, his sons Joseph and his wife Wendy of Avon by the Sea, Dr. Francis and his wife Elaine of Clemson, S.C. His daughters Therese of Atlanta, Ga. and Mary Ellen Karamus and her husband Jack of Spring Lake Heights as well as his grandchildren Jason, Jacqueline Matusz and her husband Paul, Kristen, Marc, Michael, Chelle, Joy and Jacqueline Karamus as well as great grandchildren Austin, Tyler and one on the way. He also leaves many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Services arranged by the O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall.