MICHAEL GUARNOTTA

GUARNOTTA OD, MICHAEL JOSEPH Nov. 7, 1955 to Dec. 13, 2010 Our Mike (fondly known to many as "Crunch") has slid into home with courage and grace, wearing his Padre hat. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in March of 2008, Mike was able to return to his optometry practice for some time despite undergoing two surgeries, radiation and ongoing chemotherapy. Even after he was no longer able to practice, he continued to do the things he loved with family and friends until very shortly before he passed. Mike was born and raised in San Diego, graduating from Crawford High in 1973 San Diego State in 1978, and University of California Berkeley School of Optometry in 1982. He then joined the optometry practice of Kovtun, Peters and Fry, which later became Kovtun and Guarnotta and then Michael Guarnotta, OD, Inc. in El Cajon. He left a successful practice with many, many long time patients in good hands. It was his wish to donate his corneas to the San Diego Eye Bank. Mike's great legacy is his extensive family and an amazing group of friends. His wife of 25 years, Susan Shepherd Guarnotta, daughters Kristen and Cara, and devoted dogs Duffy and Moo Shu have been his biggest fans. He is also survived by his parents Joe and Rosemary Guarnotta and siblings David Guarnotta (Vivian), and Gloria Owen (Glenn), numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and Sue's parents, sisters, and their families. He was a member of the aging but hilarious Skull and Crossbones Ski team, the UCB Class of '82 Proud Pyramid, and "The Club", and he enjoyed fishing in Mexico, hiking Cowles Mountain, Aztec basketball and football games, the Padres and the Chargers, and the longtime tradition of camping each year at South Carlsbad State Beach with friends and extended family. Mike coached his daughter's softball teams, patiently saw them through their wonder years, and proudly watched as they've grown into beautiful, accomplished adults. He was a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Grace Church. The Rosary is planned for 12:30 p.m. and Mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo Rd EI Cajon, CA. A reception will follow at the Maloney Center. Suggested donations in Mike's name to: San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation, San Diego Hospice, San Diego Humane Society and Pug Rescue of San Diego. Heartfelt thanks go to the staffs of San Diego Hospice, Aall Care and Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. We have been so humbled by the efforts of friends, family and colleagues near and far who have kept us close in their hearts.