Dennis McGuire Served in Marines, Was Writer

Dennis McGuire of West Tisbury died on May 1 after a long illness.

He was born in Omaha, Neb., in 1933. In high school he worked to support his family and, with his siblings, took care of his ailing mother. He earned a football scholarship to Marquette University, but transferred to Creighton University in Omaha to be close to home.

He served his country in the Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958, achieving the rank of first lieutenant. He often said it was one of the best experiences in his life.

In 1959 Dennis wrote a play based on his experiences in the Marine Corps which earned him a Ford Foundation grant and entrance to Yale Drama School. There he met the love of his life and future wife, Linda. They were married in 1961.

He worked for 15 years as a television and film writer, producer and director before changing careers and becoming a home designer and contractor.

The McGuire family became regular visitors to Martha's Vineyard after Linda's parents bought a home in West Tisbury in the late 1960s. He and Linda moved here year-round in 1998.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Keith, and his wife, Hara; his son, Dan, and his wife, Injil; his daughter, Patricia, and her husband, Ned, and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, John; sisters, Helen and Patricia; sisters in law, Susan and Marianne, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, at the Lambert's Cove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.