Liam McGuire, 16

Liam McGuire,16, of Manlius, passed away on April 27, 2023 as a result of injuries sustained in an accident. He was born September 29, 2006 in Bogota, Colombia and is the son of Tom and Cynthia (Berglin) and brother of Abigail. His beautiful life was far too short but leaves an impact far beyond the 16 years he was with us. He made the world, and everyone in it, better. Happier. Stronger. Connected.
Liam’s easy smile and the rolling giggles he generously shared as an infant were just the beginning of the light he brought to the world. His true gift was the personal connection he made with everyone he met. Liam’s calling card was his zest for life, for fun, for laughter, and for bringing people together. Nobody was beyond the reach of Liam’s warmth, compassion, and humor. His embrace of others was wide, and his connections were deep. He had a generous spirit, thoughtfulness beyond his years, and a heart without bounds. He made others feel special and loved. It was only fitting that his catch phrase was “I gotchu.”
Our family and the community that Liam created around him is hurting deeply. But we take great comfort knowing that goodness has already come from this great loss. Liam was an organ donor, and he has now made life possible for others he never knew.  His legacy and life live on in exponential ways. In his homily at the May 8 services, Rev. Thomas Ryan said Liam was “one who truly cared for others.” In reference to his organ donation, he said, “No doubt, this young man spread light in life and he did it even in death.” Liam’s assurance of “I gotchu” resonates beyond words.
In his words of remembrance, Liam’s friend Jackson Hammill read a letter he wrote to Liam recalling all the ways Liam brightened the school day for those around him. “Thank you for always being the person could make people laugh,” Hammill said, “the way you could cheer people up without even thinking about it.”
Liam is survived by his parents, Tom and Cynthia of Manlius and his sister, Abigail, a freshman at Colgate University. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, John and Dorothy Berglin of Hampton Bays, NY, his paternal grandmother, Annmarie McGuire of Sayre, PA, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Calling hours were Sunday, May 7 at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs Street, Fayetteville.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, May 8 at the church.  The Mass was livestreamed at icfayetteville.org/funerals.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Finger Lakes Organ Donor Recovery Network, 30 Corporate Woods, Suite 220, Rochester, NY 14623.