Vincent de Paul Maguire

On June 24, 2021, Vincent de Paul Maguire, age 73, of Hockessin and Broadkill Beach, Delaware died as he lived, with quiet dignity in the company of his family.

Vince was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He graduated from Archmere Academy in 1965 and the University of Delaware in 1969. He went on to attain his master’s degree in 1972 and returned to UD to become a certified athletic trainer in 1993. He spent the majority of his teaching career as a French and Spanish teacher at Alexis I. duPont High School and retired after 34 years of teaching. He continued as the athletic trainer for all of the school’s sports for another 14 years, reluctantly retiring from his second career in 2017. During his time at AI, he also coached football, girls’ basketball and softball.

More importantly, Vince lived a legendary life, and his impact on others was vast and profound. He was a devoted partner to the love of his life, Julie (née Grady), through 51 years of marriage. He was the father to two brilliant children, Colleen (Shanen) and Mark (Melissa), brother to 11 siblings, favorite uncle to 19 nephews and 16 nieces (and several honorary nieces and nephews), devoted great uncle to their children, and a world-class Pop-Pop to his extraordinary granddaughters Caroline and Caitlin. He was a marathon runner and master storyteller. He was an arborist, carpenter, mason, plumber, and mechanic who could fix anything and worked tirelessly doing so. He was a mentor to hundreds of students and athletes and helped anyone in need however he could.

Vince lived his life with integrity, humility and humor. He will be missed greatly by all those who were lucky enough to have him in their lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to either the St. Mary of the Assumption chapter of St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o the church, or to the University of Delaware Athletic Training Education Program at https://www.udel.edu/alumni-friends/give/ and must use account HNES412112.

Send a Condolence Light a Candle Send Flowers Print Out Obituary

Funeral Services

Family, friends, and admirers are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin Delaware on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11:00 am where a visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Condolences

Jeffrey and Heather Brown lit a candle and writes,

To the Maguire family, We didn't know Vince well, but anytime we saw him at a Maguire family function, he always had a good story to share and was very witty. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Jeffrey and Heather Brown

06/28/2021 04:48 pm

Ann Grady lit a candle and writes,

I had the good fortune to meet Vince in 1969 when I married his wife Julie’s brother Fran Grady and became part of a great extended family. Vince and I shared our journeys as high school teachers and also our birthday, July 17th. Vince, I’ll remember you in so many ways and always on our birthday! We all treasured knowing you!

06/28/2021 06:02 pm

Barbara Bradley lit a candle and writes,

So sorry to hear of the loss of a family member and sibling. Prayers for family comfort.

06/28/2021 07:57 pm

Gina Martinez lit a candle and writes,

So sorry for your loss! Condolences to the entire family.

06/29/2021 02:18 pm

Jean Pierre Riviere writes,

I am French and met Vincent when he studied at the university at Caen in 1967-1968 I remember a very wonderful guy All my sympathies to his family Jean Pierre Riviere

06/29/2021 02:35 pm

Caroline Woods writes,

Dear Mr. Maguire, You certainly did lead a legendary life and touch the hearts and minds of many! You will be missed. Love, Caroline Woods

06/29/2021 03:22 pm

Jennifer Prior lit a candle and writes,

My condolences to the Maguire family. I was a student of Mr. Maguire many decades ago and remember him fondly. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, and I hope that his family and those who loved him and whom he loved take solace in their memories of a life well-lived.

06/29/2021 06:02 pm

Thomas Kaminski (aka Dr. K.) lit a candle and writes,

I’m completely heartbroken by this news --- Vince was a dear friend (and alumnus) of UD Athletic Training and served as a mentor to so many athletic training students through the years! I have very fond memories of my visits with Vince on the sidelines of AI duPont HS soccer games sitting and chatting about everything under the sun on his trusty golf cart! A true educator and professional he will be sorely missed. On behalf of the faculty/staff/students associated with UD Athletic Training please accept our sincerest condolences. Rest assured that he is now in heaven with our creator and free from the chaos of this world. God Bless and Rest in Peace!

06/29/2021 07:04 pm

Megan Fioravanti lit a candle and writes,

Dear Julie, My sincere sympathies to you and your children. Vince bragged about you all almost every time we talked, which was daily for almost 17 years while caring for athletes at AIHS. He was so proud of his kids and granddaughters to be sure! He kept me laughing with many stories and he was a loyal friend who I could always count on. I will be praying for you all and hope that your love and memories sustain you all. I will never forget my friend. Love, Megan

06/29/2021 08:50 pm

Alkirah Wilson lit a candle and writes,

Thee BEST trainer there was! He always went the extra mile for his athletes. This man was really a legend! Truly going to be missed..

06/29/2021 09:50 pm

Janet Chandler lit a candle and writes,

Dear Julie and family, Condolences for you as you grieve the loss of Vince. He was such a remarkable man. Sending hugs and prayers 🙏 Fondly, Janet

06/30/2021 09:52 am

Br. Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap. writes,

To the Maguire family from the Ministry of Caring 'family': We have kept Vincent in our prayers during his illness. Our prayers continue now with you during this very sad time. May your wonderful memories of joyful family times bring you comfort and may God's love give you peace. Vincent's life was one well lived, filled with family and with sharing his talents with others. Psalm 73:26 - "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Br. Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap.

06/30/2021 10:52 am

Joan Angiullo lit a candle and writes,

Julie and family, my heartfelt sympathy to you. What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man.

06/30/2021 11:25 am

Alexis Ferrell lit a candle and writes,

HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED! One of the best to ever come from AI. He genuinely cared about his students & their well being. He was always going above and beyond for them. I was lucky enough to have him as my athletic trainer for all 4 years. I will never forget how joyful he was. He was always smiling and happy. If you knew him you loved him that’s just the personality he had. Sending his friends & family lots of love & prayers.

06/30/2021 01:07 pm

Victor Kozar writes,

Dear Family members of Vince, I am truly sorry to hear that Vince has passed. I met Vince when I started my masters at UD in 1988. He was a tremendous professional and friend of athletic training and athletic trainers. I will miss the side work that he always threw my way, and all of the conversations that we had about how to better the profession in the state. I will miss all of the professional development conferences where I would see him on a regular basis. My sincerest condolences, Godspeed. Sincerely, Vic Kozar

06/30/2021 02:12 pm

Karen Kohn/ Susan Potts writes,

Vince was giant among all who knew him. He and Julie were role models for siblings, children and granddaughters, extended family and colleagues. He was my hero and “ the best coach and scout” I ever worked with I am better because of years spent with Vince. He will live on in the memories and values of those he mentored.

07/01/2021 06:55 pm

Carlos Bernal writes,

My condolences to Mr. Maguire’s family. I remember him fondly. A great French teacher and a gentle soul. He was a gentleman, a scholar, and a mentor to many of us. God speed.

07/01/2021 08:59 pm

Barbie Berl Hoover writes,

Mr, Maguire was our JV girls basketball coach at AI and led us to an undefeated season in’74. I never understood how on earth he put up with all our “girl antics” but always had our best interest at heart and was an amazing coach and leader! So sad to hear this news, he was way too young! Sounds like he continued his caring and supportive ways for years after I graduated in 76, RIP.

07/01/2021 09:52 pm

Jim Sweeney lit a candle and writes,

Rip Mr Maguire

07/02/2021 04:11 am

Gloria Praedin writes,

I met Vince when we were students in France . He was a big part of the fond memories I share about the year we all were together as friends. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a wonderful person and by all that he accomplished in his short lifetime, a role model for many. My heartfelt condolences to Julie and his entire family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Gloria Praedin

07/02/2021 07:16 am

Sheri Zappala writes,

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Maguire. He was one of the Best and one of my favorite teacher and more importantly Coach!!! He coached me is both Basketball and Softball. Our JV team was undefeated that year and our Softball teams always went to the play-offs. They were some of the best years of my life and he was a huge part of it. I was fortunate to have run into him just a couple of years ago and we were able to catch up. I too am a graduate from the University of Delaware Athletic Training program so we also had that in common. Which was a little weird. I remember returning to UD after graduating and seeing Mr. Maguire in the Training Room. It was also pretty neat. He was a great influence on many of our lives and he will be missed. RIP Mr. Maguire

07/02/2021 09:51 am

Marleigh Halkes lit a candle and writes,

I met Vince as an athletic training student at the University of Delaware when I was placed at AI DuPont High School. Working with him in that setting was when I decided that the high school setting was where I belonged as an athletic trainer. He was so helpful in guiding and teaching me while I was with him and I look back on the experience with very fond memories. He had the best stories and jokes from all his years in education, some of which I still tell today. I'm so sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed.

07/02/2021 11:07 am

Rochelle Ransom writes,

On Behalf of my mother, Della Mae and your Donna. She was so proud of Vincent as he followed his dreams. Julie she has shared the special memories of when you and Vincent were dating and was so happy when you got married. We will keep your family in our prayers. We love you. Donna Rochelle

07/02/2021 11:56 am

Jerry Peden lit a candle and writes,

We have lost a valuable individual, teacher, and coach. I remember him like it was yesterday and have always admired him greatly as a fellow teacher and coach at AI duPont High School. He was taken far to young but we all have a time that will eventually be ours. God bless family and friends.

07/03/2021 11:27 am

Tom Eleuterio lit a candle and writes,

Dear Julie, Mark and Colleen, It is with great sadness that I just learned of Vince’s passing. He was one of the best people I was fortunate to have had as a coworker and friend. I don’t have to tell you that he was very special and gave so much to so many. My deepest condolences and wishes for keeping him dear to us all. Tom Eleuterio

07/04/2021 09:37 pm

Dolores Zorrilla Sheaffer writes,

Mr Maguire was my mentor during my student teaching in 1978 at A I DuPont- He was my French teacher at AI as well. I became a Spanish-French teacher because of him- My prayers are with you during this sad time.

07/05/2021 09:36 am

Vanderlyn Barbara DowningWebster lit a candle and writes,

Mr Maguire was my French teacher at A.I. As is borne out in his obituary and posted comments, he was a stalwart and unwavering representation of integrity and kind professionalism. This, displayed even as a 23 year old first year teacher to at 17 year old. What a precious, noble man we have lost. May he rest in God’s loving embrace.

07/07/2021 10:45 am

George Lacsny lit a candle and writes,

Lorraine and I were so saddened to learn of Vince’s passing. I’ll always remember working with him on construction, roofing, and tree jobs. I was also lucky to have him in my life as a fellow coach and teacher at Alexis I DuPont High School for many years. I appreciated his sense of humor. No matter what we were doing, he made the time we spent together fun. He was a good man and a dear friend. We will remember him always.

07/13/2021 06:13 pm

Mark Robinson lit a candle and writes,

Always enjoyed the friendship and attending professional development conferences, especially at Salisbury and West Chester. I'll never forget a time at West Chester when we almost had to walk out of a session since we were laughing too hard. Vince's laugh is not very inconspicuous. Vince may have had me by a few years but was always young at heart. He will be missed but I am lucky to have had the time to get to know him.

07/19/2021 10:37 pm

Cindy Spoerl Sublett writes,

Mr. Maguire was my French teacher and JV basketball coach in the early seventies. I always remember him as a kind man. He made me feel cared about in his own quiet way. I hope his family finds a source of support from those of us who cared about him from the sidelines.

08/03/2021 09:42 am

Barry Shearer writes,

May your life always be commemorated with the same humility, guidance and mentoring to all the kids who you engaged with through all times. May you be a rest and in peace with Our Father in heaven.

08/04/2021 02:06 pm

Elizabeth Kelly-Johnson writes,

Dear Maguire Family, I'm just seeing this sad news about Mr. Maguire and I am so sorry for your loss . I had Mr.Maguire for French back at AI. He was a very kind and patient teacher and a gentle soul. God bless you as you continue to mourn the loss of your beloved . Elizabeth Kelly-Johnson

10/17/2021 07:44 am

Cancel reply

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.