ANTHONY GUDDEMI

Anthony Guddemi
Faith and family were the guideposts of his life
Anthony Guddemi, 95, died at Staten Island University Hospital on May 15, 2016.
He was born in Ribera, Sicily, and lived there for 27 years, working on his family's farms, where they grew oranges, olives and wheat. He came to America after the war in 1948. He was married in Italy in 1947. His wife came to America first and 13 months later he was reunited with her in New York City. When he first came to America, he endeavored in many diversities of employment from laborer to restauranteur on the Boardwalk in South Beach. He evolved to become a builder and also acquired real estate properties.
He was a member of Christian Pentecostal Church for over 50 years. He lead Italian Bible Study in the 1970's and was an elder of the church. He enjoyed spending time with his family. First came his faith, then came his family. He also helped many of his family immigrate to America. He and his wife opened their home to them and through the years he was a strong support to many of them.
He served in the Italian Army during World War II and was stationed in Africa for several years.
Anthony is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lillian, and his daughter, Joanne DeMola and son-in-law, Joseph, and daughter-in-law, Barbara.
He was predeceased by his children, Joseph Guddemi and Lillian DiPisa, and his grandson, David Paul DiPisa. His surviving grandchildren are Anthony, Joseph and Frank Guddemi, Joseph and Anthony DeMola and Julie Hiam, and six great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday at Christian Pentecostal Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Friends may visit at Christian Pentecostal Church, 900 Richmond Rd., Staten Island, N.Y., on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home
7447 Amboy Rd.
Staten Island, NY 10307
(718) 984-0913