Stephen “Steve” William Maguire
November 19, 1951 - April 21, 2024
Stephen “Steve” William Maguire, 72, of Newark, DE, died peacefully on April 21, 2024, after a valiant fight against Parkinson’s Disease. Despite living with his illness for over 15 years, Steve was never one to complain and was cracking jokes until the last days of his life. Steve was born to William and Margaret Anderson Maguire in Brooklyn, New York on November 19, 1951. Steve’s platinum blonde hair, bright blue eyes and distinct dimpled chin earned him many modeling opportunities as a young boy. He was featured in magazines, ads, and commercials for well-known brands and publications, such as Post, House & Garden, Harper’s Bazaar, and Westinghouse. Steve graduated from H. Frank Carey in Franklin Square, NY in 1969. He then dedicated over three decades of his life to Bell Atlantic, which later became Verizon, where he started as a line technician and eventually advanced to a managerial position after obtaining his Associate’s Degree. His commitment and love for his work were evident throughout his tenure, and he retired from Verizon in 2003 when he relocated from Franklin Square, NY to Land O’ Lakes, Florida with his family. Shortly after moving, Stephen purchased a FedEx route, where he found joy interacting with customers along his route.
Steve had a passion for antiques and collectibles and enjoyed browsing, buying, and selling a variety of items such as vintage toys, comics, art, sports memorabilia, coins, and stamps. He also cherished time spent playing poker and darts with his friends who nicknamed him, “Wild Thing.” Steve also loved attending weekly Trivia Night at Ukulele Brand’s in Land O’ Lakes. He had a deep appreciation for classic rock and oldies music and was often found singing along. Steve also had a knack for being able to quickly recall actors’ names from a variety of old television shows.
As a father, Steve was devoted to providing the best for his daughters, Morgan, and Samantha. He embraced fatherhood with a playful spirit, creating cherished memories filled with laughter and joy. Despite the challenges life presented, Steve’s love for his daughters was unwavering. He took pride in their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. He always took the time to check on how they were doing, to listen, and to share their joys and sorrows. His daughters remember him as a loving and caring father who always aspired for their happiness and success.
Steve reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Linda, after over thirty years apart, and the two married in 2013. Stephen’s memory will forever be held in the hearts of his surviving family: his wife, Linda (Murison) Starr; two daughters Morgan and Samantha from his marriage to Wanda Vegas; stepdaughter, Allison Gobeil (Michael), granddaughters, Gabrielle and Claire Gobeil, and two brothers Michael (Janice) and Kevin (Susan). He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark (Karen) and stepson, Timothy Starr.
A memorial service for Steve is being planned by family and will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s memory to the PAN Foundation, PO Box 716408, Philadelphia, PA 19171 or online by clicking here.
Mary Niez Hoffman
Dear Linda, I’m so sorry to learn of Steve’s passing.
I remember you showing us the picture of your high school love when we were students at SUCO. Reconnecting with him after so many years must have been magical. I hope that your memories of both times that you and Steve shared life together will comfort and strengthen you.
Mary Niez
Ed Weingarten
I remember Steve fondly. A fellow wise crack artist and all around good guy. Linda I remember you fondly as well. Didn’t know the back story of you 2 getting together.
Parkinson’s is a terrible disease. I have several dear friends who are afflicted. Hopefully they will make meaningful progress on these kind of diseases both causation and effective treatment protocols.
God bless you Steve, sounds like you had a good ride!
James Gardner, AKA Capt James
I don’t know where to start! I’ve known Steve for 50 years! I was ecstatic when after I moved to Fl back in 2001,Steve would end up here in my neighborhood! My garage is nicknamed Club G where we play poker, shoot darts, etc! It’s my equivalent to the Nook n Cranny, or Cheers where all the neighbors have come every Fri! Steve certainly was entertaining and well loved! Wild Thing fit him perfect as his darts would go astray, in poker he would come up with the wildest games(Dealers choice of game) but he was a ton of fun! He will be missed dearly but never forgotten! God Bless you Linda and his daughters🙏🙏
Kevin/Susan
Kevin and I are so sorry for your loss. We have so much respect for you, Linda, for loving and caring for Steve. Kevin, being a younger brother, enjoyed many fun times with Steve. He even coached my brothers on baseball teams in Franklin Square. We are so glad we got to see him one last time the week before his passing. Once things are settled, we hope your life will be all that you want it to be.💙
Doreen
Dear Linda, I’m so sorry to hear this very sad news. I’m keeping you in my prayers🙏🙏🙏. It is just too much to endure. Steve was a wonderful guy , and I was so happy to hear that you reconnected … Treasure the memories, and keep him alive in your heart. May he rest in peace. Until you meet again. Love, Doreen.
Christopher J Murison
Very sad to hear of Steve’s passing. May he rest in peace, comfort, joy and love. Always cheerful, always cracking jokes and making witty comments, even during the difficulties of recent years. We grew up in the same neighborhood, spent countless hours in the Polk St. playground playing football, basketball, baseball, handball, whatever. He was a great touch-football lefty quarterback who made catching passes easy. A fine athlete, always fun to have in the game. I was glad when he and my sister Linda became high-school sweethearts since he was such a “good guy”. I was even gladder when they got back together, and he became family. I greatly enjoyed our times together since then. We were simpatico. Steve is one of those rare persons who only sparks good memories. My condolences to all who loved him.