Bernard Maguire
Age - 81
December 5, 2023
The Honorable Bernard Augustine Maguire, 81, of Wilmington, NC, passed into eternal life on November 30, 2023. Born in Philadelphia, PA on September 12, 1942 to Bernard and Rita (Meehan) Maguire, Bernard (Bernie) grew up in the Northeast Village. He attended St. Joe's Prep school in Philadelphia, PA and graduated with distinction from The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD with the great class of 1964 (20th company). Bernie was selected by Admiral Rickover to enter The Nuclear Submarine Program. Upon completing Sub school and earning his dolphins, Lieutenant Maguire served on both diesel and nuclear submarines. After leaving the Navy, Bernie earned his MBA at University of Pittsburgh in 1970. He had a long and successful career in private and public service including his consulting company, VPA Corporation, and a foray into government work where he was appointed as the first Associate Director of FEMA by President Reagan. Bernie worked on early mainframe computers, created remarkable improvements in management of nuclear power plants across the country, made a mark in National Preparedness policy for the entire United States, and even sat as a judge for three Miss America pageants and served on their board of directors. He was a diligent volunteer at the Caroline Center in Baltimore, MD, the various parishes he belonged to over the years, his grandchildren's schools, and as a "cart wrangler" at the Wilmington Municipal golf course. He was a steward of his community by serving on the Wayside Neighborhood watch, raising funds for and building Hunter Mill Swim and Racquet club, and refereeing VYS soccer games. Bernie showed his gratitude for his education at USNA by committing his spare time in service as the Class of 1964 class vice president then president for many years. He was also on the USNA Board of Trustees and a dedicated Navy football fan. He was particularly proud of two USNA projects. He helped create the Class of 1964 Memorial Scholarship fund which financed the college tuition of the children of deceased classmates. The other project was the class's sponsorship of The Ethics for the Junior Officer, a book that prepares new USNA officers for ethical and leadership challenges typically encountered in the service. After living in Vienna, VA for almost 30 years and relocating to Wilmington, NC, Bernie quickly involved himself in the community by joining the local USNA alumni chapter, Knights of Columbus, and the Navy Subvets group which allowed him the honor of riding on the submarine float in multiple parades throughout the year. As his avocation, Bernie was rewarded by his contribution as a teacher and mentor. He taught graduate classes at Loyola University in Maryland and various middle school classes at St. Mark's Catholic School in North Carolina. Bernie also personally mentored many young adults in becoming ideal candidates for USNA, how to interview for a professional job, how to be a valuable employee, and, ultimately, how to be a good Christian person. For all of his professional, academic, and personal achievements, Bernie was the most proud of and found his strength in his family that he raised with his high school sweetheart and greatest love, his wife of 58 years, Joyce (Formica). She was the partner and greatest supporter behind all of his endeavors. Bernie and Joyce made many friends across the country and traveled frequently. Bernie's hobbies over the years included tennis, running, golf, senior walking and gaining fame for the tradition of serenading friends and family on their birthdays each year. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Rita (Meehan) Maguire, his in-laws, William and Concetta (Pinciotti) Formica, and his sister, Anne Maguire. Bernie is survived by wife Joyce, four children, and ten grandchildren who lovingly knew him as "Poppy"; Brad and Kate (Robinson) and their children Matthew, Samuel, Joseph, and Lucy; Mark and Shelly (Allbee) and their children Zoe and Natalie; John and Wendy (Lyall) and their children Sydney, Molly, and Mary Catherine; and Megan and her daughter Madeleine. He is also survived by sisters Rita Poulton (Al) and Ellen Dwyer; and many dear in-laws, relatives, and friends. Bernie's family was blessed with his unending graciousness, positive outlook, and good humor supported by his faith throughout his battle with corticobasal degeneration. The Maguire family would like to thank all of the medical teams and support staff that cared for him at Trinity Grove. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Joe's Prep in Philadelphia, whose motto 'men for others' helped shape his life, or the Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026. A funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, December 9th at 10:00am (6650 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412). Inurnment at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium in April. Date to be determined. Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.Show more
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