James Kevin "J.K." Maguire, died Friday, February 14, 2020, at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, after a lengthy battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Kevin was born in Boston on December 20th, 1945 to his parents Thomas R. and Warvilla A. (Durant) Maguire of 21 Green Street, Woburn, where he was raised with his brother Tom. The old neighborhood was the source of many fond childhood memories that he and Tom could talk about for hours on end. Kevin attended Woburn schools and was a graduate of Woburn High School Class of 1963. From the age of fourteen, Kevin developed a deep interest in construction and heavy equipment, and after high school he followed that passion by going to work for local contractors. He was married and later divorced the late Helen "Cookie" Maguire with whom he had a daughter Michelle.
Kevin served in the National Guard, and in 1978 he started his own business, which he proudly named "J.K. Maguire and Daughter" Backhoe Service. In the 40 plus years that he ran his business, he never lost his love for operating equipment, especially looking forward to snowplowing through winter storms. Kevin served on the Woburn Licensing Commission from 1984-2004, and in 1996 he was appointed as Chairman of the Board. He was also the past president of both the Northeast RockBusters Chapter and the Woburn Kiwanis Club.
Kevin made a life for himself and his longtime companion, Kathy Donovan, in both Woburn and New Hampshire. Many happy times were spent in Ossipee, also lovingly known as "The Farm," with Kathy and their many treasured friends.
Kevin’s granddaughters, "Grammpy’s Girls," brought him infinite joy since their arrival. Kevin was involved in every aspect of Caroline and Shannon’s lives. Gramps was the girls` biggest fan, strongest supporter, and loudest cheerleader. From countless soccer and basketball games, to school events, to dances and proms and first days of school, Gramps was always there. Aside from that, daily phone check-ins were a must. There was a special sparkle in Grammpy’s Irish eyes for Caroline and Shannon.
In addition to his parents, Kevin was sadly preceded in death by his grandson William James Spolidoro.
Kevin is survived by his loving partner, Kathleen Donovan, his daughter Michelle and her husband William Spolidoro and their daughters Caroline and Shannon, his brother, Thomas Maguire and his wife Jean, all of Woburn along with many treasured family members and dear friends.
A graveside service will be conducted in the Calvary Cemetery, 686 Washington St., WINCHESTER, Friday, February 21st, at 11 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin – Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, will be held on Thursday, February 20th, from 4 to 8 p.m. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Kevin’s memory to the Woburn Kiwanis Club, PO Box 521, Woburn, MA 01801.