John Francis Maguire Jr., who founded the Provincetown Fudge Factory on Commercial Street in 1984, died at his Eastham home on Nov. 2, 2024. The cause was brain cancer. He was 73.
Born in Philadelphia on March 25, 1951 to the late John and Alice Maguire, John was a lifelong learner. A 1969 graduate of LaSalle High School in Philadelphia, he went on to earn an economics degree from Villanova University in 1973 and a master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky in 1975. He married Dierdre Morelli in 1983.
Intellectually and spiritually curious, John 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. His spiritual practice was not bound to any one tradition but 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 thick books he voraciously read on niche historical figures, declaring them “boring” when they were young. 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 Villanova had a basketball game or the Patriots were making a run for the playoffs.
After working to care for abused boys at an orphanage for many years, John decided he wanted to open his own business, “something that would make people happy,” his daughter, Nicole, said. That business, which John owned and operated for over 40 years, was the Provincetown Fudge Factory, which became a staple of the community.
John took great pride in his work and in being a “washashore” who brought joy to visitors and residents of Provincetown. You could count on him to keep the store open in the middle of a February snowstorm or at 2:30 a.m. after a Carnival Thursday. “Since 1984 we made annual visits to his fudge shop,” wrote Bruce Gembala in an online tribute. “We always looked forward to chatting with him.”
John was a generous donor to numerous organizations, including the Swim for Life, the AIDS Support Group, the Provincetown Police and Fire depts., and almost any community group that approached him for help. His contributions were made anonymously; he told his children, “Do good for the sake of doing good, not for recognition.”
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 granddaughter, Gianna Carbone of Eastham. He also leaves his brothers, William and Owen Maguire of Philadelphia, as well as several nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his wife, Deirdre, and his sisters, Alice and Rosemary.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary of the Harbor in Provincetown at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s honor can be made to the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.
