Charles Whitney McGuire
September 23, 1921 ~ August 24, 2019
Charles Whitney McGuire, 97, of Vienna Va passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 24, 2019 in Virginia Beach VA.
Charles was born September 23, 1921 in Denver, CO.
He graduated with a BS in Engineering from UC Berkley and an MBA in Engineering from G. W. University in Washington D. C.
His long career as an engineer began in 1948 and continued until his retirement in 2005. From 1962-1971 he was employed as a NASA engineer where he worked on the Apollo Space Program.
Then, from 1971-2005, he worked as an executive for the Department of Transportation in the Office of the Secretary.
He served in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II where he rose to the rank of Major. He flew as a navigator for a group of airmen known as the “Carpetbaggers” on 35 night missions over Europe and was recently awarded the Legion of Honor metal from French Government for his efforts to liberate Nazi-occupied France. This is the highest honor awarded to a non-French citizen.
Charles was a devoted father and husband. As with many dedicated fathers he carpooled five children to soccer games, music lessons, swim team practices, ice skating, and all the various activities children enjoy as they grow. He was active in the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts for many years, worked with the Vienna Youth Soccer League, volunteered in the DC school system and the local library, taught Sunday school and served as an Elder at his family church. In addition, he was very active at the Department of Transportation in fundraising to benefit senior citizens.
In his spare time he was an avid reader and a gifted storyteller. He and his wife Donna, who predeceased him in 2014, also loved to travel the world and to spend time with their children and grandchildren.
He is survived by two sons, Bruce W. McGuire of Virginia Beach VA, Kevin C. McGuire of Vienna VA, and three daughters, Leslie A. McGuire of Tacoma WA, Kimmi S. Kearney of Keaau Hawaii, and Diana J. McGuire of Roanoke VA.
He has five grandchildren, Jake, Micaela, Christy, Duncan, and Lily and three great- grandchildren, Calissa, Kendrick and Kai.
During the last years of his life Charles was cared for by the wonderful staff at The Memory Center in Virginia Beach, VA and by Gloria Joseph who made his days brighter and grew to love him dearly.
A graveside service will be held Friday August 30 at 2:00 P.M. at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church at 1724 Chain Bridge Rd. in McLean VA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Interim Hospice at 516 S. Independence Blvd, Suite 106, Virginia Beach, Va 23452 who provided kind, compassionate and loving care for Charles the week prior to his passing. His family will always be eternally grateful to them. Online condolences and fond memories of Charles may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
Charles was born September 23, 1921 in Denver, CO.
He graduated with a BS in Engineering from UC Berkley and an MBA in Engineering from G. W. University in Washington D. C.
His long career as an engineer began in 1948 and continued until his retirement in 2005. From 1962-1971 he was employed as a NASA engineer where he worked on the Apollo Space Program.
Then, from 1971-2005, he worked as an executive for the Department of Transportation in the Office of the Secretary.
He served in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II where he rose to the rank of Major. He flew as a navigator for a group of airmen known as the “Carpetbaggers” on 35 night missions over Europe and was recently awarded the Legion of Honor metal from French Government for his efforts to liberate Nazi-occupied France. This is the highest honor awarded to a non-French citizen.
Charles was a devoted father and husband. As with many dedicated fathers he carpooled five children to soccer games, music lessons, swim team practices, ice skating, and all the various activities children enjoy as they grow. He was active in the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts for many years, worked with the Vienna Youth Soccer League, volunteered in the DC school system and the local library, taught Sunday school and served as an Elder at his family church. In addition, he was very active at the Department of Transportation in fundraising to benefit senior citizens.
In his spare time he was an avid reader and a gifted storyteller. He and his wife Donna, who predeceased him in 2014, also loved to travel the world and to spend time with their children and grandchildren.
He is survived by two sons, Bruce W. McGuire of Virginia Beach VA, Kevin C. McGuire of Vienna VA, and three daughters, Leslie A. McGuire of Tacoma WA, Kimmi S. Kearney of Keaau Hawaii, and Diana J. McGuire of Roanoke VA.
He has five grandchildren, Jake, Micaela, Christy, Duncan, and Lily and three great- grandchildren, Calissa, Kendrick and Kai.
During the last years of his life Charles was cared for by the wonderful staff at The Memory Center in Virginia Beach, VA and by Gloria Joseph who made his days brighter and grew to love him dearly.
A graveside service will be held Friday August 30 at 2:00 P.M. at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church at 1724 Chain Bridge Rd. in McLean VA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Interim Hospice at 516 S. Independence Blvd, Suite 106, Virginia Beach, Va 23452 who provided kind, compassionate and loving care for Charles the week prior to his passing. His family will always be eternally grateful to them. Online condolences and fond memories of Charles may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
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Charles and I worked as a team at DOT. CHUCK was on the engineering side; I was on the contract side. Never did we disagree on what he wanted out of a contract. He was always into some function that the current Secretary was pushing. I haven’t seen Chuck since I had my retirement party (1996), which he attended. He popped into my mind many times over the years. I will remember his warm smile. Peace be with him and with his family.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I worked with Chuck at the Department of Transportation in the mid 1980s. I was just getting started out of college. He could not have been nicer and more gracious. He was truly a gentleman. May you be comforted by great memories of this wonderful man. John Moloney – Vienna