Joseph McGuigan, 82, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026.

Born on July 16, 1944, in Motherwell, Scotland Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Rose Ann McGuigan. Joseph immigrated with his family to Bridgeport, CT at the age of 13 and quickly dropped the nickname “Twigsy” upon arrival. He enlisted in the US military Air Force division shortly after gaining US citizenship and served 10 months until he was honorably discharged to care for his mother after the untimely death of his father. He spent the majority of his years living in Fairfield County and achieved great accomplishments with his love of soccer, including playing for the US Pan American Team (1971), membership with the US Olympic Team (1972), Sacred Heart University’s first ever first team All-American, and still holds the University’s records for career goals (80) and assists (56). Joseph was inducted into both Connecticut Hall of Fame (2009) and Fairfield County Hall of Fame (2025) and was Sacred Heart University’s Men’s Soccer Coach for over 20 years. Throughout his life, Joseph touched many through his career as a professional soccer player and collegiate soccer coach, inspiring young athletes. Joseph was a devoted Catholic who loved his family and friends. In retirement, he became an avid golfer spending countless hours with his beloved nephews and friends on the course.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Carlson and brother Patrick McGuigan and his legacy is carried on by his children, Rebecca Ambrose and husband Richard Ambrose of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Joseph P. McGuigan of Woodstock, VT, and three grandchildren, Sean and Lilian Ambrose and Olivia McGuigan who cherish his memory.

Joseph is reunited with his wife of 52 years Edith Pratt, his parents, Joseph and Rose Ann McGuigan and siblings Johnny, Rena, and James who preceded him in death.

In tribute to Joseph's spirit and contributions, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart University, Fairfield CT Men’s Soccer program in honor of his fierce advocacy and mentorship of young men in search of higher education and personal achievement. May Joseph’s legacy of faith, sport, kinship and fortitude continue to inspire for generations to come.

Sacred Heart University, Office of Annual Giving, In memory of Joseph McGuigan, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday August 15, 2026 at Sacred Heart University Chapel, 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT with a memorial mass beginning at 11am. A reception will immediately follow at the Gaelic American Club, 74 Beach Road Fairfield, CT from 12-3pm.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. Messages for the family can be sent via their website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.