Don Marion Guscio
June 25, 1942 - December 18, 2025
Don Marion Guscio, beloved husband, father, grandfather, community leader, and steward of the Lowcountry landscape, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 25, 1942, in Richmond, Virginia, Don lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and deep devotion to both family and place.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Joseph and Eva Mae Guscio, and his sister, Ann Guscio. He is survived by his devoted wife, Babbie (Paris); his loving children, Catherine; Will (Dorothy) and their children Jes and Campbell; Jamie (Lori) and their children Patterson and Lily; his brother, Frank (Jill); his brothers-in-law, David Paris (Phyllis), Corben Paris, and Trevor Paris (Sandra); his brother-in-law, Jan Ghys; and many beloved family members.
A graduate of St. Pius X High School, Don went on to earn his degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and part of the university's early gymnastics team. He remained a lifelong supporter of the Bulldogs and treasured the friendships formed during his years in Athens.
Don proudly served his country in the Georgia Air National Guard for seven years, fulfilling his duties with the same sense of responsibility and humility that defined his life. In 1971, drawn by the natural beauty and promise of the Lowcountry, Don moved with his family to Bluffton after accepting a position as a land planner with Sea Pines Resort. It was here that he found both his professional calling and his lifelong home.
Over the course of a distinguished career, Don made a lasting impact on the landscape of the Lowcountry, and beyond. He worked on landmark developments including Sea Pines, Hilton Head Plantation, Daufuskie Island, Kiawah Island, and projects as far away as Amelia Island and Disney in Florida. Don believed deeply that buildings should blend into their natural surroundings. He championed the use of indigenous plants, the preservation of wetlands and waterways, and the protection of historic structures. His philosophy favored balance, proportion, and restraint, allowing the land itself to lead.
Don was proud to be an entrepreneur and operated his own landscape architecture practice, mentoring younger professionals along the way. He served his community faithfully for more than 20 years on the Beaufort County Joint Planning Commission and was a founding member of the Bluffton Rotary Club. His influence is woven quietly into the fabric of the region, visible in the thoughtful preservation of its natural beauty.
Those who knew Don remember him as a true Southern gentleman, kind, charming, patient, and unfailingly dependable. He possessed a dry sense of humor, a playful spirit, and a gentle presence that put others at ease. Rarely ruffled and never boastful, Don led by example and believed simply in doing one's best.
Family was at the center of his life. A devoted husband, Don supported Babbie wholeheartedly in her many creative and civic endeavors, often working behind the scenes and happily letting her shine. At home, he was an active and loving father, teaching life's fundamentals through action: how to ride a bike, swim confidently, work hard, respect others, care for animals, and give back to the community. His discipline was quiet but meaningful, and his expectations were simple and steadfast.
Don found joy outdoors, whether boating, sailing, rebuilding the family dock after storms, tending the yard, or working on his many projects, especially his beloved English racecar, a 1958 Turner. Known affectionately as "Doodles," he was happiest with his hands at work. He had a deep love for plants and nature, knew their Latin names by heart, and took special delight in favorites such as yaupon holly and loblolly pine.
Don was an avid water skier in his youth and was often seen building ski pyramids. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to stay active, curious, and adventurous.
Guided by strong Christian values, Don believed in kindness, humility, and the simple truth of "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you." He lived his faith quietly, believing that God was present not only in church, but in nature, community, and everyday acts of love.
Don's legacy is one of stewardship, integrity, and deep love. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example and a community shaped by his vision. Bluffton is more beautiful because he was here, and all who knew him are better for having shared in his life.
The family would like to thank Carol Miller, Anthony Miller, the doctors and nurses at Hilton Head Hospital, and Agape Hospice for their compassionate care.
Donations may be made in Don's honor to the Historic Bluffton Foundation, headquartered at the Heyward House, 70 Boundary Street, Bluffton, SC 29910. The mailing address is PO Box 742, Bluffton, SC 29910. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
"Vade Cum Deo" . . . Doodles
June 25, 1942 - December 18, 2025
Don Marion Guscio, beloved husband, father, grandfather, community leader, and steward of the Lowcountry landscape, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 25, 1942, in Richmond, Virginia, Don lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and deep devotion to both family and place.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Joseph and Eva Mae Guscio, and his sister, Ann Guscio. He is survived by his devoted wife, Babbie (Paris); his loving children, Catherine; Will (Dorothy) and their children Jes and Campbell; Jamie (Lori) and their children Patterson and Lily; his brother, Frank (Jill); his brothers-in-law, David Paris (Phyllis), Corben Paris, and Trevor Paris (Sandra); his brother-in-law, Jan Ghys; and many beloved family members.
A graduate of St. Pius X High School, Don went on to earn his degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and part of the university's early gymnastics team. He remained a lifelong supporter of the Bulldogs and treasured the friendships formed during his years in Athens.
Don proudly served his country in the Georgia Air National Guard for seven years, fulfilling his duties with the same sense of responsibility and humility that defined his life. In 1971, drawn by the natural beauty and promise of the Lowcountry, Don moved with his family to Bluffton after accepting a position as a land planner with Sea Pines Resort. It was here that he found both his professional calling and his lifelong home.
Over the course of a distinguished career, Don made a lasting impact on the landscape of the Lowcountry, and beyond. He worked on landmark developments including Sea Pines, Hilton Head Plantation, Daufuskie Island, Kiawah Island, and projects as far away as Amelia Island and Disney in Florida. Don believed deeply that buildings should blend into their natural surroundings. He championed the use of indigenous plants, the preservation of wetlands and waterways, and the protection of historic structures. His philosophy favored balance, proportion, and restraint, allowing the land itself to lead.
Don was proud to be an entrepreneur and operated his own landscape architecture practice, mentoring younger professionals along the way. He served his community faithfully for more than 20 years on the Beaufort County Joint Planning Commission and was a founding member of the Bluffton Rotary Club. His influence is woven quietly into the fabric of the region, visible in the thoughtful preservation of its natural beauty.
Those who knew Don remember him as a true Southern gentleman, kind, charming, patient, and unfailingly dependable. He possessed a dry sense of humor, a playful spirit, and a gentle presence that put others at ease. Rarely ruffled and never boastful, Don led by example and believed simply in doing one's best.
Family was at the center of his life. A devoted husband, Don supported Babbie wholeheartedly in her many creative and civic endeavors, often working behind the scenes and happily letting her shine. At home, he was an active and loving father, teaching life's fundamentals through action: how to ride a bike, swim confidently, work hard, respect others, care for animals, and give back to the community. His discipline was quiet but meaningful, and his expectations were simple and steadfast.
Don found joy outdoors, whether boating, sailing, rebuilding the family dock after storms, tending the yard, or working on his many projects, especially his beloved English racecar, a 1958 Turner. Known affectionately as "Doodles," he was happiest with his hands at work. He had a deep love for plants and nature, knew their Latin names by heart, and took special delight in favorites such as yaupon holly and loblolly pine.
Don was an avid water skier in his youth and was often seen building ski pyramids. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to stay active, curious, and adventurous.
Guided by strong Christian values, Don believed in kindness, humility, and the simple truth of "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you." He lived his faith quietly, believing that God was present not only in church, but in nature, community, and everyday acts of love.
Don's legacy is one of stewardship, integrity, and deep love. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example and a community shaped by his vision. Bluffton is more beautiful because he was here, and all who knew him are better for having shared in his life.
The family would like to thank Carol Miller, Anthony Miller, the doctors and nurses at Hilton Head Hospital, and Agape Hospice for their compassionate care.
Donations may be made in Don's honor to the Historic Bluffton Foundation, headquartered at the Heyward House, 70 Boundary Street, Bluffton, SC 29910. The mailing address is PO Box 742, Bluffton, SC 29910. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
"Vade Cum Deo" . . . Doodles
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