John Edward MacGamwell, 89, a former Central Intelligence Agency officer, died of respiratory failure July 26, 2006, at Goodwin House in Baileys Crossroads. He was a Falls Church, Virginia, resident.

MacGamwell worked for the CIA from its start in 1947 until he retired in 1973. A Buffalo native, he graduated from the University of Buffalo, where he also received a master's degree in history in 1938. He taught high school briefly.
 
He was on his honeymoon when he received his draft notice in 1942. He served in the Army's Counter Intelligence Corps in Europe during World War II. After the war, he moved to the Washington area.

His wife, Orchid Gates MacGamwell, died in 2001.

Survivors include two sons, David G. MacGamwell of Santa Cruz, Calif., and John S. MacGamwell of Falls Church; and four grandchildren.

On Wednesday, July 26, 2006 of Falls Church, VA; husband of the late Orchid G. MacGamwell; loving father of David G. (Hanife) and John S. (Dora) MacGamwell. Also survived by four grandchildren.

Services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2006, 10 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, The Swain Family Fund, 712 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202.