Jack W. Guite

Jack W. Guite, 82, of Newington, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Florence (Majewski) Guite for 56 years. Born and raised in New Britain, CT, he was a longtime Newington resident. Jack graduated from New Britain High School, received his Bachelor's degree from Bates College, his Master's degree from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and his Sixth Year Certificate from St. Joseph's University, CT. He loved to teach and in 1999, he retired from the Newington School System after a 35-year career focusing on elementary education. Jack's students will recall the annual end-of-the-year Paper Mache art project. Each unique item marked the class's signature farewell to a special year of classroom experiences. To this day, many decorate the school's Media Center. Others hang in the classroom where they were created over 20 years ago. In 1971, Jack received the First Place Award from the Joint Council of Economic Education for the teaching of economics to middle school students. He was also honored to be named as Newington's Teacher of the Year in 1992. Jack was well named: he was a Jack of all Trades. Outside of his professional life he had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid fly fisherman who enjoyed fly tying, camping, and spending time with family at the beach. He was a prolific photographer, exceptional carpenter, woodworker, sculptor, pen and paper artist, and animal lover. Jack was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, Hartford Whalers and Boston Bruins. He followed UConn Men's and Women's basketball and regularly attended Newington sports events. Throughout the years, he could be found cheering on his children, his students, and grandson at baseball, soccer, basketball, and hockey games. In 1974, the Guite family moved to a vintage property on Newington's Main Street. Over four decades, Jack used his many talents to preserve the antique character of the house while also making it a wonderful family home. He was an avid gardener who used his creativity to enjoy landscaping and time outdoors together with his son Jay. Loving and devoted to his wife and family, he leaves his son Jay Connor Guite of Rocky Hill, CT, daughter Jessica Walker Guite, PhD and her husband Timothy S. Murphy of West Hartford, CT, Joshua Alexander Guite of Bend, OR, and his cherished grandson Owen Connor Murphy. He also leaves step sisters and their spouses, Joan Thomas (Phillip) of New Britain, CT, Patricia Shick (Nelson) of Bonita Springs, FL, and Lynn White (David) of Bristol, CT. Also, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marianne McEvoy Guite in Burlington, NC, Alexander F. Majewski (Ellen) of San Diego, CA, and Anthony F. Majewski (Patricia) of Monroe, CT. His nephews, nieces and spouses, Scott Guite (Janai) of Petaluma, CA, Shannon Beck (Al) of Elon, NC, Nicole Nester (Kelly) of Wilmington, NC, Peter Majewski (Kristen) of Maggie Valley, NC, and Amanda Majewski, Jamaica Plain, MA. His grandnieces and grandnephews, Carson Guite, Walker and William Beck, Sebastian and Smith Nester, Dylan and Leah Majewski. Jack was pre-deceased by his older brother Richard C. Guite. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, CT. A brief Service to Remember Jack will follow at 6:00 pm at Newington Memorial. He will be laid to rest privately. Memorial donations may be made to the Hartford Association of Retarded Citizens (HARC), 900 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www.duksa.net.