SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Paul J. Guarnieri, 73, of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully, October 15, surrounded by his loving wife Patricia and their children.
Born in Buffalo on December 23, 1939, he was the son of the late Alfred and Helen Guarnieri.
Paul was retired from the New York State Department of Labor where he worked for 33 years. During his Labor Department career, he held numerous positions, the last being Assistant Director of Manpower Staff Development and Training. He was a Past Chairman of the New York State Training Council.
After retirement from the Labor Department, he taught at the Empire State College.
In Buffalo, he attended St Vincent de Paul grammar school, Canisius High School and Canisius College. He excelled in all sports, following in the footsteps of his father, Al, who was the director of Butler Mitchell Boys Club on the west side of Buffalo where Paul spent much of his youth. During his high school days he was first team All-Catholic in basketball and baseball and was QB on the football team. In 2001, Paul was inducted into the Canisius High School Hall of Fame.
He loved classical music and for years attended the Philadelphia Orchestra performances at SPAC. Paul was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing history with his family and friends. He loved his Buffalo Bills and trips with his boys and friends to Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Miami to watch the Bills. For the past 18 summers he sat daily in the same seat at the Saratoga Race Course with his long time friends and family. Everyone knew his standard bet - $1 across the board. His goal at the end of the meet was to say I won, even if it was only a dollar.
When his doctor recommended Hospice care, Paul said, “I have had a good life and I am a lucky man. My wife and I have four great kids and two wonderful grandchildren.”
He enjoyed socializing with his family and friends and was known by all as a connoisseur of beer and fine wine.
Most coveted of all was the two to three month annual winter vacation that Paul and Patricia spent in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy. They especially looked forward to visits to Italy by their children, grandchildren, other family members and friends.
He was a long time member of St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Greenfield Center and recently St Peters Roman Catholic Church in Saratoga Springs. For many years, Paul was a Eucharistic Minister at Saratoga Hospital. He also served as a member, and eventually president, of Saratoga Central Catholic High School Board.
Paul was a U.S. Army veteran, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion Post on West Avenue in Saratoga Springs where he enjoyed many days with his veteran friends.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Patricia (Centore) Guarneri: his children, Mary (Dennis Blaine), Christine, Paul and Mark; granddaughters, Isabella and Thalia; sisters, Ann Lawson of Buffalo and Helene Mehnert of Chevy Chase, Maryland; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday October 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Avenue. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday October 19 at St Peters Roman Catholic Church, 241 Broadway Saratoga Springs.
The family would like to personally thank Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Hospice and Albany Medical Center for the care they provided during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the above organizations or to the Canisius High School Scholarship Fund, 1180 Delaware Avenue Buffalo New York 14209.
Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com
