Centerport FD loses ex-captain

Ex-Captain Edward McGuire of the Centerport Fire Department died on Feb. 2 at the age of 78.

McGuire first joined the department in 1976, serving first as lieutenant and then captain. He also served as an EMT and member of the Centerport Rescue Squad.

He was elected as fire commissioner in 1995 and served for five years.

The ex-captain grew up in Queens and worked summers as a lifeguard at Jones Beach. He also served in the U.S. Army at a Nike missile site in New Jersey.

After his tour ended, he attended Cooper Union, a prestigious college in New York City.

McGuire taught classes at a BOCES school but was an electrician by trade and started McGuire Electric in Centerport, which his son Edward McGuire now operates.

McGuire loved the outdoors, including activities like fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores; his children, Edward, Joseph, Judy and Christopher; and his seven grandchildren.