John Francis Maguire Jr.

March 25, 1951 – November 2, 2024

John Francis Maguire Jr., of Eastham, MA, passed away on November 2, 2024, at the age of 73. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on March 25, 1951, to the late John and Alice Maguire, John was a lifelong learner, a Provincetown businessman, and a deeply caring individual whose presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A graduate of LaSalle High School in Philadelphia (1969), John went on to earn a degree from Villanova University, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. Throughout his life, John was intellectually and spiritually curious. He explored a wide range of philosophical and theological traditions, from Christian philosophy to Buddhist teachings. His home was filled with symbols of his diverse interests, including a rosary near his bed and a photo of Thich Nhat Hanh alongside a Buddhist singing bowl. A man of quiet meditation and prayer, John’s spiritual practice was not bound to any one tradition, but always focused on manifesting health, happiness, and well-being for his family.

John had an enduring passion for history. His children often teased him about the 400+ page books he voraciously read on niche historical figures, declaring them "boring" when they were young. But as adults, they came to appreciate his intellectual stamina and insatiable thirst for knowledge. The only thing that could keep his nose out of a book was when his Alma Mater Villanova had a basketball game or the Patriots were making another run for the playoffs.

For over four decades, John was the proud owner and operator of the Provincetown Fudge Factory, a beloved business that became a staple of the community. He took great pride in his work and in being a “washashore” who brought joy to so many visitors and residents of Provincetown. You could always count on him to keep the store open in the middle of a February snow storm or at 2:30 am after a festive Carnival Thursday.

Above all, John was a generous donor to numerous community organizations, including the Swim for Life, The Aids Support Group, The Provincetown Police and Fire Departments, or any community organization who approached him for help. True to his altruistic nature, John always ensured that his contributions were made anonymously, a value he passed on to his children: “do good for the sake of doing good, not for recognition.”

John is predeceased by his wife, Deirdre, and his sisters, Alice and Rosemary. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Carbone, and son-in-law, Robert Carbone of Eastham; his son, Colin Maguire, and daughter-in-law, Jennafer Rojas of Los Angeles; and his beloved granddaughter, Gianna Carbone of Eastham. He also leaves behind his brothers, William and Owen Maguire of Philadelphia, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s of the Harbor in Provincetown on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John’s honor to the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.