Rev. Anthony E. McGuire 1939 – 2025
Father Anthony E. McGuire, a priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for nearly 60 years, died in Redwood City, CA on May 12, 2025.
In his priestly ministry, Father McGuire undertook his assignments with enthusiasm, dedication and commitment—bringing hope, helping others and making each place better for his having been there.
Father McGuire was born in San Francisco on November 15, 1939 to his parents, Anthony McGuire and Mary Ann Heaney McGuire, immigrants from Ireland. He had three brothers, John (Elizabeth), Bernard (dec.) and Thomas (Joan). Father McGuire attended St. Vincent’s School in San Rafael and graduated from Mission Dolores School in San Francisco. He attended St. Joseph’s College in Mountain View and St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. On June 5, 1965, he was ordained at Mission Dolores Basilica by Archbishop Joseph T. McGucken. Later he received a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Care from USF.
Following ordination, Father McGuire served as Parochial Vicar at St. Gregory’s Parish in San Mateo, at St. Patrick’s, Most Holy Trinity, and St. John Vianney Parishes in San Jose, and at St. Kevin’s and St. Monica’s Parishes in San Francisco. He was pastor at Most Holy Redeemer and St. Anne of the Sunset Parishes in San Francisco and at St. Matthew’s Parish in San Mateo. He was also Chaplain for the Spanish Speaking Community, Secretary of Ethnic and Cultural Affairs and Vicar for Priests. For two years, he was a missionary with the Maryknoll Fathers in Hong Kong and later served for a year on the staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Following retirement, he continued to minister—visiting the sick and saying Mass for religious communities and parishes.
Family was very important to Father McGuire. He often visited relatives in Ireland and England. He could always be counted on to officiate at family members’ baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Visitation begins at 6pm followed by a Vigil at 7pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Both services will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1 Notre Dame Ave, San Mateo, CA. Following the Mass, a reception will be held at St. Matthew Gymnasium. Interment to follow at 2:30pm at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd., Colma, CA.