Leo Russell Maguire

L. Russell "Russ" Maguire, Sr., 76, Whitfield, passed away in his home after a long illness surrounded by family and friends on October 10th, 2008. He was the husband for 52 years of Joan M. (Walcott) Maguire. Born in Philadelphia, PA., Russ, truly a native of Providence, Rhode Island, moved to Providence where he met Joan at the age of ten and became friends. The grandson Harbor Master of Providence, John Henry Maguire, Russ grew up among friends and family in the predominately Irish wards of Providence. Having lost his father early in life, he graduated in the top of his class from LaSalle Academy, while working full-time at a local factory to help support his family. He attended Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and began a career in the textile industries. An accomplished dyer, finisher, and inventor, Russ received recognition for his work – most important to him was The Henry E. Millson Award for Invention from AATCC for his invention of the Flowtrue Logroll that allowed for the dyeing of nylon fabric. He was Superintendent of Bleaching, Dyeing, and Finishing for Cranston Print Works, RI, later joining, Ameribelle Corp., as Superintendent of Dyeing. He held the same position at Elastic Fabrics of America, Reading, and worked as the Assistant Plant Manager at Pioneer Finishing in Fall River, Mass. He retired from Belmont Processing, Reading, as Plant Manager in 1999. An attentive and loving father, grandfather, and friend, Russ enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends travelling to Ireland, flea markets, and places of interest. An avid problem-solver, Russ was often fixing objects, houses, or cars for family and friends before the onset of his illness. He will be remembered for his quick wit, laughter, storytelling, sound advice, love of diners and British television, generosity and compassion to those less fortunate than he, and his dedication to and affection for his family (especially his wife) and friends. He was predeceased by parents, Francis Leo Maguire and Mildred J. (Judd) Maguire, and siblings, Mildred J. (Maguire) Hassell and Donald J. Maguire, as well as his grandson, Charles F. Winkleman, friend and brother-in-law, James F. Littlefield, and niece, June E. Littlefield. He is survived by his children: Lee R. Maguire, Jr. and wife, Marlene D. (Macre) Maguire; Joanne M. (Maguire) and husband, Mark Richel; Jean F. Maguire-Winkleman; and Stephen F. Maguire, and wife, Sandra (Glace), all of the Reading area, and Raquel L. Urriola, of New York City. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Jay R. Winkleman, Connor J. Maguire, Brittany E. Maguire, and Henry S. Winkleman. Other survivors include Marjorie and Celey Medeiros, Jane and Louis Del-Rio, RI, John F. Riley, MN, and other loving relatives, as well as friend, William T. Sawyer, VA. Viewing hours are 6 – 8 P.M. on Monday, Oct. 13th in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Ignatius Loyola Church, West Lawn, followed by burial at Gethsemane Cemetery, Reading. Contributions can be made to the St. Ignatius Loyola Scholarship Fund, 2810 St. Albans Drive, Sinking Spring, PA, 19608 or the Wilson Scholarship Fund, 2601 Grandview Blvd., West Lawn, PA, 19609. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.