William "Bill" McGuire

William Joseph McGuire, “Bill”, 53 of Ringwood, NJ passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2026.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Kathleen Mary (nee Flatley), his daughter Maggie
and son Brendan. Bill was born in 1972 to James and Elizabeth McGuire, and was raised in Ridgewood, NJ.

Growing up, Bill was fortunate to spend his summers at Gravelly Point Beach in Highlands, NJ, where he made friends that would last a lifetime. These carefree days at the beach were where Bill’s love of boating and fishing began, alongside his father and friends. Whether Bill was in Highlands or in Ridgewood, his insatiable curiosity, self-driven ambition, and determination to master new skills, defined the life he chose to lead.

Bill graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1991, attended Merrimack University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, and furthered his education at Rivier University, graduating with a Masters of Business Administration. Bill began his career in Boston working for an investment firm, where he was offered an incredible opportunity to work abroad in their Dublin, Ireland office - which he gladly accepted - given his strong connection and deep love for his Irish heritage. Shortly after his return from Ireland, and subsequent move back to NJ, he was introduced to the love of his life, Kathleen, by his sister Jeanne Mullin. Bill and Kathleen were married in 2004 and after several years filled with adventurous travel and hard work, they put down roots in Ringwood, NJ, building their dream home on a beautiful lake, and started their family.

Maggie and Brendan were the center of his world and the absolute light of his life. Every single day was filled with wonder, adventure and memories that would last a lifetime. Nothing was more important to Bill than his family. While Bill was a devoted husband, loving father and dedicated son, he also cherished the time he spent with his siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends. His undeniable generosity and kindness were qualities he possessed that touched every single person he knew.

A dream was fulfilled when Bill and Kathleen purchased a summer home on the very same Gravelly Beach street where he had made so many wonderful memories; ensuring that his own children could now experience the same magical, seaside adventures in this same, close-knit community of families who have continuously lived on the road for generations. Whether he was teaching Maggie and Brendan how to swim, taking them kayaking, fishing or jumping off the pier, Bill was living out his dream. This was his “happy place” - spending time with friends who were more like family, helping anyone in any way he could, and enjoying the annual “Bungalow Day” festivities.

As a family, they traveled extensively throughout the United States – with and without his parents - and enjoyed many vacations to California, Florida and the Caribbean – the pinnacle of which was their six-week long RV adventure out West visiting incredible national parks, enjoying not only each other but the breathtaking beauty of our country.

Bill is survived by his parents Jim and Betty McGuire of Wyckoff, NJ, sister Jeanne Mullin (Mike), Jim McGuire (Mimi), Aimee Coen (Bill), as well as brother-in-law Martin Flatley (Debbie), and
sister-in-law Eileen Vandervelde (Drew). He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, Sean, Danny, Patrick and Katie Mullin; Caitlin and William Coen; Patrick and Jack Flatley; PJ and
Alex Vandervelde, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Bill was pre-deceased by his loving in-laws, Patrick and Josephine Flatley.

The McGuire family will receive friends on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4:00 PM -7:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 24, 2026 10:00 AM at the funeral home followed by an interment at Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Bill’s memory to the following charities: Ronald McDonald House or Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation