Former City Councilor Joseph T. Maguire Sr. recently died. He was 98.
A longtime Waltham resident, he was remembered for his service to the country and the city.
Current city councilors at their meeting last week remembered Maguire for the contributions he made in his personal, professional and civic life and honored him with a moment of silence.
Councilor-at-Large Kathleen B. McMenimen, who previously had served with Maguire on the council, called him “a remarkable member of the Waltham community over many, many years.”
Councilor-at-Larger Thomas M. Stanley remembered Maguire as “fully involved in the city of Waltham, trying to make the city better” and called him a “true Waltham patriot.”
Ward 9 Councilor Robert G. Logan called him “a real gentleman.”
According to his obituary, Maguire was born in Somerville in 1926. He enlisted at 17 years old in the U.S. Navy during World War II, putting his high school studies on hold to fight overseas. After returning to civilian life and earning his high school diploma, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He later became an electrician and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 69 years. He worked for Coca-Cola and later the MBTA, retiring in 1983.
He served for 20 years as a Waltham city councilor, including as its president. He served as a member and chair of the city’s Conservation Commission. He also was active in the Waltham Cable Access initiative.
Maguire additionally served as a Massachusetts state representative from 1976 to 1978.
He was active in the Waltham V.F.W. PFC John M. Sullivan Post #10334 and Disabled American Veterans organization.
Maguire and his late wife had several children and many grandchildren. He died Thursday, Nov. 7.