Mr. Richard J. Guido

The Metropolitan Opera, the preeminent venue for many of the greatest singers, dancers, actors, musicians, and performers in the world, has unexpectedly lost a beloved actor, mentor, and native son of Utica, Mr. Richard J. Guido, Jr., age 54, whose untimely passing occurred on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, with his family by his side. Born in Utica on January 10, 1960, Richard was the son of the late Richard J., Sr. and Jacqueline “Jackie” (Supina) Guido. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School/Class of 1978 and a member of the football team. He furthered his studies at Herkimer County Community College where he earned an Associate Degree and continued his studies at Ulster Community College where he received his 2nd Associate of Arts Degree majoring in Performing Arts. For the opportunity to perform and be associated with the theater, Richard relocated to Manhattan in 1996 where he accepted a position as a Staff Performer and stagehand for the prestigious New York Metropolitan Opera and was a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists during his tenure with the “Met”. Richard worked with many famous opera directors including Franco Zeffirelli and Bartlett Sher. He worked onstage with many of the most famous opera singers of our generation including world-renowned Luciano Pavarotti with whom he performed in the early 1990’s in the opera Andréa Chénier. Richard performed summer theater work at the Pioneer Playhouse in Kentucky and at the Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania. At the moment he was taken ill, he was in his role of Papa Momus on the opening night of La Bohème at the “Met”. Just as his animation and vitality defined his professional life, his generosity of spirit and kind heart defined his personal life. He was funny, compassionate, and very unselfish. Although a perfectionist, his life had no limits. He awoke each day accepting of what would happen, and each day he inscribed his favorite numbers on a lottery ticket. He loved the excitement of New York City, and the friendships he made there were sincere and plentiful; he would do anything for those he loved. When family and friends visited, he was so happy in his role as host and guide to the beauty of the Big Apple, the city of which he was so proud. And he loved to shop - any time, any place. Richard loved his family and honored his parents and his heritage. His brother Larry and sister-in-law Debbie and their girls were close to his heart. When he came home to Utica to visit family and friends, it was always with a requisite to reminisce about the old days. On the holidays, he was “in charge”, and everyone awaited his presence and his fun-loving personality. Richard’s sentimental side was illuminated by his fine collection of family memorabilia, just as his unforgettable memory will live on in the hearts and minds of so many who were touched by his talents. In his youth, Richard was a Junior Councilor in The Order of DeMolay, a Masonic Youth organization for young men that teaches the virtues of reverence, love of parents, comradeship, patriotism, courtesy, and fidelity. He was able to share a common bond with his late father who served as an advisor for his Chapter. In accord with his Catholic upbringing, Richard was devoted to the annual preparation of bread in honor of St. Anthony, a tradition he upheld with his beloved aunts. When Utica was his home, he practiced his faith at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Richard is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry D. and Deborah “Debbie” Guido of Whitesboro; his nieces, for whom he felt much love and pride, Samantha A. Guido, and Alexandra A. “Allie” Guido; his cherished aunts, Isabelle Guido, Phyllis Guido, and Marie Newell; his many cousins with whom he was close and spent many happy times; members of his sister-in-law’s Kauth family with whom he shared a great rapport; his host of friends in Utica and New York City, especially those at the Metropolitan Opera; and the Opera Houses; Mimi Scott was like a second mother to Richard. He was predeceased by his uncles, Raymond Guido, Vincent Guido, David Guido; his aunt, Roccatelle Cavaiola; and his cousin, Vincent Guido. Richard’s brother and family members are grateful to the Emergency Medical Services personnel for their timely response; the Emergency Room physicians and staff at New York Presbyterian Hospital for their intense efforts; Richard’s longtime friend, Steve Sunderlin; his cousins, Lindsay Guido, and Mark Dumain, and family friend Marissa Sigbieny; all these kind souls were with Richie at the hospital during his untimely passing. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Richard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mr. Richard J. Guido

January 10, 1960 - September 24, 2014