Obituary of Kenneth J. McGuire Sr.
Ken McGuire, Sr was called home on December 31, 2021 surrounded by his wife, of nearly 75 years, Ann, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A US Navy veteran who served his country overseas in both World War II and Korea, Ken leaves behind to cherish his memory 4 children: Ken, Jr (Dianne) of Troy, New York, Patrick (Shelly) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Mary Ann of Bloomingburg and Michael (Corinne) of Liberty, New York. He was blessed in life with eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren each of whom provided him with an unequaled sense of pride and joy.
After graduating from Christopher Columbus High School, in the Bronx, Ken served his country as a radio technician aboard his beloved USS Hayter (DE 212) a destroyer escort class ship that provided cover to merchant and military ships supplying the war effort in Europe. After the war, he went to work for the New York Telephone company where he started as an installer / repairman ultimately working his way up the corporate ladder to management level in data processing. He took a leave from the phone company, following the birth of his first child, to return to active military duty aboard an aircraft carrier during the Korean conflict. While raising four children, he attended college, at night, earning a business degree from Rockland Community College.
Ken’s life was focused on family, his entire world was his wife, their four children, eleven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. His pursuits were always wrapped around his children’s interests. Although declaring in 1967 that no son of his would ever ride a motorcycle, he became a proud member of the American Motorcycle Association for over 50 years, served as President of the Ramapo Motorcycle Club and traveled the highways and byways of the Country by motorcycle often accompanied by his wife, children and friends. His love of motorcycling took him to events across the Country where he developed a cadre of friends that have transcended his life. His love for the sport and his commitment to family were joined symbolically in 2003 when he spent 4 days touring New England, by Motorcycle along with his wife, all four children, their spouses, 2 nephews, and several grandchildren, dubbed the Ride to Remember. It will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those left behind to cherish his memory.
It has been said that everybody dies but not everybody lives. Ken lived his life to the fullest, committing his life to his family and his friends who are left with a lifetime of memories and buoyed by his spirit which they salute today and offer a heartfelt “Thumbs Up !!” on a life well lived and love forever given.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 3:00– 5:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 8 at 11:30am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 262 North Main Street in Liberty. Burial with military honors will follow at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery in Liberty.
Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com