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BORN
1947
DIED
2016
Frank Guarino Obituary
Frank Joseph Guarino, Born in Rockford, IL August, 7, 1947. Married to Pat Fleming Auguts 1, 1970, Died in Austin, TX., on March 11, 2016 of pancreatic cancer. Son of Joseph and Josephine Guarino and brother of Margaret Krein. After graduating from Rockford West High School & Northern IL University, Frank lived in Seoul, Korea where he served in the U.S. Army. He taught the 4th grade students of Rock Cut Elementary for 35 years, where he was known for his creativity and outstanding Halloween costumes. Tales are still told of the year Darth Vader came to visit. In the summers, he worked at Rockford Standard Furniture. After retiring from teaching in 2006, he worked as a bailiff for the Winnebago County Courthouse until permanently retiring, and moving with his wife to Austin, TX in 2012. Frank had a passion for cars, and was also an avid music lover with eclectic taste. Frank loved spending time outdoors & traveling, but above all he loved spending with his family. He is survived by his loving wife Pat, and his children, Christopher and Jason. A memorial to celebrate Frank's life will be held at The Venetian Club 2180 Elmwood Rd, Rockford, IL on Sunday, April 3rd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Guarino
January 10, 2018
To Pat & family: I was thinking about Frank awhile back and found that he passed and was completely shocked and shook up. Frank and I had a great time at college and wouldn't made it without his friendship. We grew apart but I always thought about him. I just want to send my sympathy and sorry so late. Tom Miner
Charles Capron
April 13, 2016
Pat, Chris, and all of Frank's family,
My thoughts are with you all, especially after reading what Chris wrote about his Dad.
I totally lost touch with many of my classmates from Rockford until recently, but I've wondered many times what happened to Frank. He and I chummed around for several years at Rockford West. I always remembered his warm smile and great laugh. Recently, I met up with Phil Cicero (Frank's best man) and several other members of our Rockford West class. I didn't know that Frank had passed away.
I do know now that Frank was truly a good man, evidenced from what his son wrote here. Frank obviously made lasting impressions on many and will live on in those people's heart and memories.
Chris Guarino
April 9, 2016
I have been dreading the writing of this (consciously) for a little over a year. However, there is no way I could let this pass without saying a few things about my Father. It's funny because he would probably never say any of these things about himself. He was, among other things, incredibly modest.
He saw funerals as an incredible waste of money, and found wakes to be depressing. What he wished for, in his passing, was a celebration of his life - something fun where people could share stories, listen to music, and laugh about the good times. So that's what we did for him at his house in Austin on March 20th, and in Rockford on April 3rd.
About six months ago, we lost my grandma (Josie Guarino), and exactly 365 days from the night my dad's sister (Marge Krein) passed away, we lost my Dad. Though Marge died on March 10th 2015 and my Dad on March 11th of this year, this was a leap year which makes it exactly 365 days. The hospital room he died in was also room 365. Though these things may be purely coincidental, it makes me think that in some way, the three of them had prearranged this - maybe somewhere in the existence we all share before we come here to fight it out, and learn our lessons.
Cancer changed many things in the lives of my family, but it did not change Frank Guarino. Those who knew him will know that he kept an immaculate house, watched the News twice a day, and played the lottery every week. He made sure his bills were paid early, and his taxes were done on time. None of this changed. He also kept the same sense of humor up to the day he died. As a matter of fact, last year during the height of his chemo treatments, when he was probably feeling his sickest, I had just gotten a new car, and was outside his house adjusting the stereo. The windows were up, and the music wasn't THAT loud, but as I sat there with the manual in my hand going through the settings, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. I turned to see this skinny old man dancing on the sidewalk next to my car. He had lost a ton of weight, and most of his hair, but none of his spirit.
Frank was, also, extremely creative and artistic. As a teacher, he would draw cartoon characters on poster board for his classroom every year. I remember him sitting at the dining room table with markers drawing Alvin and the Chipmunks to be used for his bulletin board that year. He also helped me make toys of my favorite video game and storybook characters in his workshop out of wood.
For our birthdays, he drew C-3PO, R2-D2, and Jabba the Hut on paper bags, then wrapped our presents in the drawings. He decorated our cakes with frosting drawings of Spiderman, The Hulk, or whatever we were into that year. My Dad was thrifty, but in no way was he cheap. He cut costs in creative ways so he could save money to take us all on amazing vacations every summer, and make sure that every birthday and Christmas we had was absolutely magical.
My Dad never did win the lottery. In a journal entry he wrote before he died, he wondered why people like him didn't win the lottery. He said, all he wanted to do with the money was use it to do something nice for his family. See, Frank may have had a passion for cars, music, and traveling, but these were nothing compared to his passion for his family. He always put our wants and needs ahead of his own. He gave without ever asking (or expecting) anything in return. He was the most selfless person I have even known. Frank Guarino never realized how truly great he was. He never understood the positive impact he had on each and every one of us. You could not ask for a better Father, Husband, Uncle, or Friend. Frank may not have won the lottery, . . . but we all did - the moment he entered into our lives. He was truly an amazing man. I can't wait to see him again.
MaryJane Alongi
April 3, 2016
Dear Pat and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Frank put up a brave fight. He always had that beautiful smile on his face through it all.
I pray God's Holy Spirit give you all comfort and peace through this time of sorrow and fill your hearts with the wonderful, loving memories of him that are in all of your hearts.
This picture of him represents him well. A smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. God Bless you all. I wish I could with you today.
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Phil & Louise (Rinaldo) Cicero
April 2, 2016
It was 46 years ago this month, that Frank was "Best Man" at our wedding. He earned that role, after many years of loyal friendship, dating back to the late 50's."Best" is a way of describing other aspects of Frank's life...Best Husband, Best Father, Best Son, Best Brother, Best Uncle, Best Hair, Best Teacher, Best Kind Person, and, of course, BEST FRIEND!!! He will be missed, but our memories of all the good times, make us smile! So happy to be part of his life! Our deepest sympathy to Pat, Jason, and Christopher.
Justin H
March 31, 2016
So very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Guarino, Chris, and Jason. I always remember Mr. Guarino as a teacher even though I was never in his class. He was kind, and creative. He always had that million dollar smile. I also remember each one of you having that same smile and creativity!
Dave Eason
March 31, 2016
To the family: My heartfelt condolences.
I first met Frank in the 60's and he, Phil, Sam and myself were pretty close friends during our high school years. Frank almost always had that great smile going. Well, life sort of got in the way and we lost track of each other. It can happen. (My advice to any of Franks students: Don't let that happen.) Anyway, a little less than 5 years ago, Phil got the 4 of us together while we were all in Rockford. It was great. Thanks Phil. Frank just lit the place up with that smile. I don't think I'll ever forget it! Gods speed old friend.
Veronica Lorenz-Corey
March 30, 2016
You were my absolute favorite teacher, ever. Rest peacefully, my thoughts are with your family.
Debbie Zitzke
March 30, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Pat. We are very sorry for your loss. Larry and Debbie Zitzke
judy shelly
March 30, 2016
A good human being, a Christian man, you will never be forgotten , rest on peace.. My prayers are with Pat and her family The Shelly family
Samantha Halfacre
March 30, 2016
Mr. Guarino was 4th grade teacher. He was a wonderful teacher, and many if his lessons have stayed with me since that time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mary Ann Coletta
March 30, 2016
Dear Pat,I was so sorry to hear about Frank.Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.Mary Ann Coletta.
Beverly Goodson
March 30, 2016
Working with Frank was a pleasure. Frank helped to make work enjoyable here at the Courthouse because of his easy-going nature and positive attitude. I am sorry and we all share in your loss.
March 30, 2016
Mr. Guarino was my favorite teacher. I often think of him, and how he made school fun, when I'm working with my own students. He was an amazing man and his influence extends far beyond the individual students he serviced.
Al Winstead
March 30, 2016
Frank was an amazing person. He was always quit witted when he was explaining how to be a bailiff properly to me. He was always three steps ahead and always friendly. Frank was an awesome man, and I am so sorry for your loss.
Brandon Baney
March 29, 2016
About a month ago my heart was tugging at me to connect with my 4th grade teacher and thank him for being a positive role model in my childhood.
I hadn't spoken with him in over 15 years.
As we so often do, I ignorantly ignored what my heart was leading me to do.
Mr. Guarino, thank you for the teachings, the laughs, the example, and for the tough love when I felt like screwing off with my friends instead of doing my work.
You were my favorite teacher and the memories of being in your class has frequented my mind numerous times throughout the last 20 years.
To the family, I'm very sorry for your loss and wish you all mended hearts.
Rest in peace, Mr. G.
-Brandon Baney
Penny Vaughn
March 29, 2016
I am saddened to hear of this...He was one of my favorite teachers..I have fond memories of him ..He used to talk about his "Number one"son..this was around 1979..although it was awhile ago ..I can still remember sitting in his classroom and cracking up..he had a great sense of humor..as do I..he made a great impression on me..our nickname for him for whatever reason I can't remember was Mr.Green jeans ..Rest in Peace ..forever remembered..Mr. Green jeans..Love Penny Woodard
Kaytee Manring Smith
March 29, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Guarino was my fourth grade teacher at Rock Cut a very long time ago. I have always thought of him as one of my favorite teachers. He made it fun to learn and had touched so many lives. My thoughts are with all of you.
Cheri Dilley
March 29, 2016
I had him for a 4th grade teacher at Rock Cut School over 40 years ago. He will always be one of my favorite teachers!
Karin Miletta
March 29, 2016
Frank was a wonderful teacher to my son Nick who is now 30. Big heart, always there to help a struggling child. Blessings to all of you. Rest in Peace Mr. Guarino.
Mary Curtiss
March 29, 2016
So very sorry for your loss Pat. I know what you are going thru.
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