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Gloria Ann Guarracino

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Gloria Guarracino Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31, 2024.

Gloria Ann Guarracino (McClain) Age 90 died peacefully at the home of her son and daughter in law January 27th 2024 in Phoenix Arizona. Gloria leaves behind her sons and daughter in laws, Steven (Barbara), Michael (Denny), and Daniel (Cathrynne) and her grandchildren Jesse and Gina Guarracino. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Guarracino and parents Franklin and Francis McClain.

Gloria was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on August 15th 1933 and grew up in the New York and New Jersey area. As an adult she lived in New York and New Hampshire before retiring to Arizona.

Besides being a housewife, Gloria was a personal interviewer, owner and manager of a Dairy Queen franchise, and a Director of Religious Education. In retirement she turned to writing, authoring a book "Finding Gloria Finding Betty" a memoir and story of a reunion with a friend from her boarding school days.

A Funeral Mass be celebrated at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 3801 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix Arizona on February 9th 2024 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) Https://solt.net

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Recent Activity

March 14, 2024

Christine, James & Jonathan Shankel posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2024

Michael Guarracino posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2024

Michael Guarracino posted to the memorial.

30 Entries

Christine, James & Jonathan Shankel

March 14, 2024

We have been blessed to have known Gloria. We remember her joviality and hospitality when we visited AZ years ago. James still remembers the eggplant parmigiana which was absolute perfection- Gloria was an excellent cook! And Jonathan remembers receiving his first wallet from Gloria when he was about five years old. It had money inside and he used it the very same day to help a school-aged girl who was selling something for a fundraiser for her school. Gloria lit up a room when she entered it and was always like a beacon lighting the way for others. I'll always remember her smile and laughter! When she laughed, everyone laughed because her laughter was super contagious! It warms my heart knowing she has her wings now and is free in the kingdom of God. Praise Jesus!

Michael Guarracino

February 20, 2024

Michael Guarracino

February 20, 2024

Michael Guarracino

February 20, 2024

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Michael Guarracino

February 20, 2024

Michael Guarracino

February 20, 2024

These are a handful of photos of my Mom over the years. The first one would be from late-1960. I'm the infant with my Dad. Steve is on the right. The second photo is from one of our Summertime family vacations (probably to Sunnybrook Farm in PA) with Steve and Dan. The third photo was taken about a year after I moved to LA to pursue music with a couple of members of my band and Dan who came out to visit. I always appreciated that my Mom never discouraged me from chasing the dream of making it as a musician. Finally, a photo with her first grandchild, Jesse, from 1995. When Jesse got older and was getting into clothes, she would take him to shopping, which is something he loved doing.

Pam Hannan

February 10, 2024

I am so very sorry to hear this news. She was larger than life for me - I truly loved her and am blessed to have had her in my life. The DQ days were some of the best and I too remember them with great fondness. I will ensure to share the news with those that I continue to be in touch with. Thank you so much for sharing. Sending much love to you all Pam H

Barbara Guarracino

February 7, 2024

This winter rose finally opened and went into full bloom after Gloria passed away, Jan 27, 2024. She enjoyed watching the bud develop right outside the window from her chair.

DANIEL GUARRACINO

February 5, 2024

This is the photo that my mother proudly gave to all of us several years ago. She said it was her favorite recent picture of herself and that (when the time came) she wanted it to be used at her memorial. While I like this picture (and have displayed it in my office since she gave it to me), it does not capture the way I remember my mother, who was always very animated - not still or silent. She always filled a room with her presence and vitality. It is impossible to reduce a lifetime of memories, perceptions, and special moments into one paragraph - especially for someone with the presence of my mother. Ultimately what I am left with is the knowledge that she always loved me (all of us) and always let us know that. That is a great gift and I hope and believe she felt the same from me. I know she had no fear of what came after death and that she knew that a wonderful reward was waiting for her. I take comfort that while we feel the loss of her, she is at rest.

Louie Fromherz

February 4, 2024

When our kids were little Gloria bought each of them a snow sled and gave them some spending money As we have always lived with too much month left after my paycheck her generosity gave our kids much joy! May she rest in peace.Louie (Barbara Guarracinos brother)and Trisha Fromherz and family.

Janet Jurta

February 2, 2024

I remember Gloria speaking about her trip to Medugorje to my class at Saint Mary's. She held everyone's interest. She was very generous and giving; She once gave me a woodstove, which I ended up passing along to a family who was in need that ended up raising eleven children and truly benefited from the warmth of the stove. We would talk for hours on the phone when she moved to Arizona. She would always fill me in on what she was going through and we'd laugh sometimes. She would tell certain anecdotes about life in Arizona

Denise Testori

January 31, 2024

Gloria, was a vivacious story teller. As a devout Catholic, she enjoyed reaching out to others and sharing her faith. She loved her independence (she much rather serve others then be served), had a good sense of humor, and a bit of stubbornness. She deeply loved her family and spoke highly of each one of them. Her granddaughter, Gina, was the apple of her eye. A heartfelt of sympathy to each of her family members. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace. Thank you for the memories Gloria, Love & Prayers,
Denise Testori

Sally leroy

January 31, 2024

Sally leroy

January 31, 2024

Sally leroy

January 31, 2024

Gloria was a dedicated prayer warrior..had many prayer books she showed me as she sat in her recliner..especially st joseph prayer..terror of demons she showed me...prayed with us Schoenstatt Mothers the rosary at Sept mtg..barb hosted so graciously amidst barb's so many duties

Maria Teresa Mom & Daughter

January 31, 2024

Steve, Barb God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cat Dale

January 31, 2024

Cathrynne Dale

January 31, 2024

Gloria was very sweet and welcoming to me from the first day I met her and later as I became her daughter in law. I will always remember her great sense of humor. She loved to tell stories, as evidenced in the book she wrote. One of her favorite anecdotes was how she had gotten the opportunity to play "catch" with Joe DiMaggio when she as a child at boarding school. As with all of her funny stories (or anyone else's), Gloria always laughed with abandon when she told it. She had a marvelous laugh, and her sons share her sense of humor. I will miss her stories.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Cathryn Dalene

January 31, 2024

I recall, amongst her many stories, Gloria really liked to tell about the time she had played "catch" with Joe DiMaggio at her boarding school. She always got a big kick out of telling the story. As with all funny stories, Gloria laughed with abandon. I will always remember her as having a great sense of humor.

Betsy Donovan

January 31, 2024

I'm glad to know that Gloria lived a long and fulfilling life! It was good to learn about her accomplishments. My condolences to her family who surrounded her with love in her last days.