Mr. Carmen E. Guarnieri

The life of Carmen E. Guarnieri was a true masterpiece….father, friend, businessman, gentleman….one with a graced heart. Each piece of this mosaic made him the man that people loved and admired. He passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at the age of 89, in the comfort of his home with his loving daughters by his side. Born in Utica on January 13, 1926, Carmen was the son of the late Joseph and Angeline (Longo) Guarnieri. He also knew the love and guidance of his step-mother, Lucy (Flemma) Guarnieri. Educated locally, he attended T.R. Proctor High School and as a young man preparing to serve his country, he attended the Roosevelt Aviation School. In 1944, during World War II, Carmen became a proud member of the United States Army Air Corps with the 9th Army Air Corps Division. His training afforded him the position of an airplane mechanic and he held many memories of his tours of duty in the United States and Europe. On May 26, 1947 he was married to the former Mary Jane Mentil. Carmen often said “he met the love of his life in 7th grade and he was so proud that she chose him”. His beloved Mary Jane passed away on January 21, 1988. Born into a family of those with an outstanding work ethic, Carmen was the co-owner and operator, along with his father and brother, of J. Guarnieri & Sons which was established in 1946. The store had several locations, lastly and notably, on the corner of South Street and McQuade Avenue. He retired from the business in 1990. Unaware of how many people’s lives he would continue to touch, he accepted the invitation to enter into a second career, and he became a greeter and longtime associate of the Eannace Funeral Home. He warmed the hearts of many, especially the staff with whom he served as a mentor, shared wonderful times, and was looked upon as a second father. January 17, 1992 marked a special day in Carmen’s life. It was the day he married the former Edith Macera. They were both fortunate to find happiness with one another and enjoy an active social life. Edith passed away on November 4, 2013. While Carmen tended to Edith when she was a resident at the Masonic Care Community, he was so impressed with the staff and the care that they offered, that he became a volunteer in many capacities. He began by assisting with the Catholic Mass on Tuesday mornings, making pastoral visits, sharing the Sacred Host with those unable to attend Mass, and leading prayer services. On Wednesdays, he took the Mid-York Library cart to households, and on Fridays you could find Carmen at the afternoon ‘happy hour’ in the atrium. One of Carmen’s greatest honors was when he was the recipient of the Carolyn Dove Volunteer-of-the-Year 2014-2015 Award which was a truly meaningful moment in his life. A very spiritual man, Carmen’s studies through the Formation for Ministry Program commissioned him to be a certified Lay Minister and through his association with his home parish of St. Agnes, he visited and administered the Holy Spirit to those who were infirm or hospitalized. He was a member of many social and civic organizations inclusive of the Optimist Club, by which creed he lived, the Utica, & Rome Art Associations, the Parkway Senior Center, especially the Friday group who painted together, and as artists would have it, meshed their personalities and created colorful relationships. On a typical Thursday, Carmen would paint with other colleagues from his Art Association where friendships were so meaningful, or you might find him testing his patience on the fairway of Maple Crest with his golfing buddies. Carmen was so proud of his heritage and held memberships at the Italian Heritage Club, former Sons of Italy, and he remembered his time in military service by being loyal to the American Legion Fort Schuyler Post #1290. He was a member of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and was supportive of many of their organizations remaining mindful of the Nocturnal Adoration Society. It was in 2001 that Carmen traveled to Italy and photographed many beautiful cities. This experience encouraged this self-taught artist to pick up his brush again. Although in earlier years he had painted, he now saw things through different lenses and intensified and broadened his work. “The Other Side of Carmen” saw entries in local shows in the Utica/Rome area as well as the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute summer sidewalk presentation. Numerous paintings were awarded honors but it was the handpicked portrait that he gifted many that will be most remembered. When it came to working with wood, Carmen was a craftsman, taking something from sight of eye to production with great detail, once again gifting his children and grandchildren with heirloom treasures. A voracious reader, he loved to learn and favored aviation and World War II literature. Blessed with an abundance of years, Carmen was able to prepare a ‘bucket list’ which included a hot air balloon ride at the age of 85, sky diving at the age of 86, and co-piloting a glider plane at the age of 87, as well as enjoying a Manhattan at 4:00 p.m. each afternoon. As a man, Carmen was profoundly humble, selfless, and powerfully kind, innate gifts that flowed from him without restraint. The rarity of this type of person makes one take notice. He could always bring a smile to your face and an inner bond seemed to magically occur when you met him. A consummate gentleman, and a gentle man, he was also a proud father and an ever-present dad to his precious daughters with whom he spent many enjoyable summer weekends together at the Hinckley Lake camp. His grandchildren adored him, found him inspiring, idolized his individuality,… and he was their hero. Three of his great-granddaughters also shared his artistic side as they participated and performed with the Maria Christina’s School of Dance under the guidance of Maria C. Barresi; to this organization he not only attended each and every one of their performances to date, but also was a silent giver. Carmen is survived by his daughters, Jody Guarnieri, and Carmenann Guarnieri, both of Utica; his cherished grandchildren, Robert and Lisa Robertaccio of Hicksville, NY, Cara and Greg Greer, Kristyn and Tony Masone, and Joseph Gigliotti; and his great-grandchildren, Jordan, Tyler, and Jessica Robertaccio; Alana, and Gabriella Greer who shared the same birthday; and Martianne, and Rieley Masone. He will also be remembered by several nieces and nephews, Patty Guarnieri, Joseph and Marie Guarnieri, John and Brenda Flemma, Deborah and Michael Stanley, and Steven Flemma and Cece; and his great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Along the journey of life, we encounter many wonderful friends, and one that has remained loyal to Carmen and he to her, is Nancy who he loved like a daughter. He was predeceased by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank R. and Angela Guarnieri, Frank’s second wife, Adeline Guarnieri, and John S. and Johanna Flemma; his nephews, Richard Costa, and Michael J. Costa; and his in-laws, Nettie and Tony Costa, and Raymond Macera. Carmen was truly humbled by the friendship and concern of Dr. Guy Wilcox, and his family will remain grateful to Hospice & Palliative Care, especially Crystal and Georgia. Carmen was honored with the friendship of numerous local clergy, and held great respect for the spiritual guidance of Father Saba Shofany. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carmen’s extended family at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. where visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 3:00–6:00; the family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation in Carmen’s honor to either the Carmen E. Guarnieri Children’s Scholarship Fund at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Carmen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday afternoon at 12:30 from the funeral home and at 1:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Carmen E. Guarnieri

January 13, 1926 - February 4, 2015