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Joseph Guadagnino Obituary
AGE: 68 • Helmetta
Skippy Guadagnino died on Friday evening, December 23, 2011 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. He was 68 years old. Skippy was born in Yonkers and lived in Highland Park and New Brunswick and Monroe before moving to Helmetta 6 years ago. He was a graduate of New Brunswick High school and served our country faithfully in the United States Navy. He received a Master's degree from Rutgers University and was a Rutgers University Athletics and New York Yankee's fan. He enjoyed the game of golf and was a longtime member of Forsgate Country Club. His most recent project was a collection of memoirs titled "I Should Have Been Dead in the 60's." Skippy was the Founder and Executive Director of the New Brunswick Counseling Center which opened in 1963. He was appointed by three governors to the Governor's Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse and he received the prestigious Dole-Nyswander Award.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Viola Guadagnino . He was also predeceased by his son Joseph "JoeJoe" Guadagnino and his brother Ricky Guadagnino. He is survived by his wife Marcela Montenegro Guadagnino, his brother Patrick Guadagnino and his wife Kathye, his nieces; Gina Betsch and her husband Brian and Lisa Losso and her husband Paul, a nephew; Patrick Guadagnino and his wife Amanda, a step daughter Gisella Gonzalez and a step son; Giovanni Gonzalez, four great nephews; Tyler, Zachary, Aiden, and Joseph, two great nieces; Caleigh and Samantha, a grandson, Stefano Gonzalez and many good friends. His family paid this tribute to him, "Skippy was the most generous, kind, open hearted person, he dedicated his life to help others and serve the community; he was a unique person who will be missed dearly."
Funeral services will begin on Wednesday at 9:30 at the Gleason Funeral Home 1360 Hamilton Street in Somerset followed by a 10:30 AM funeral mass at St. Mary Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick. Interment will follow at Van Liew Cemetery in North Brunswick. Friends and family may call from 1-3 and 6-9 PM on Tuesday at the Gleason Funeral Home. Contributions in Mr. Guadagnino's name may be made to the Feed the Children at www.feedthechildren.org or a charity of your choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Guadagnino
Eileen Isaacson
January 10, 2012
My deepest sympathy to family, friends,and those of us who had the privilege of working with Skippy.
He was one of a kind--steadfast and sensitive- saying what needed to be said- poignantly and with humor(as only he could) always upholding professional standards of treatment.
He will be missed.
January 5, 2012
this is not Skip Guadagnino, sorry
Claudia McMenamin
January 4, 2012
My condolences go to Skippy's family and friends. We were colleagues since the 1970's; he was a good man with a big heart and put words into productive actions. May Skippy rest in peace and may we all who knew him remember him always.
marie juliano
January 4, 2012
to my mentor,
you will be greatly missed, thank you for
your great teachings, i will never forget
you
mj
Joyce Jackson
December 31, 2011
My deepest sympathy to family and friends. Skip was a longtime trusted colleague who could be counted on to do his best for his program and the field.
Ted Levay
December 30, 2011
We will miss you Skippy! you did a great job and always made us laugh.
Rest in peace and our deepest sympathy to all your many family and friends. Sincerely, Suzanne and Ted Levay
Maria Teresa Dishington
December 29, 2011
My heart is deeply saddened at the loss of a wonderful man, my Uncle Skippy, that has touched so many lives, especially mine. He will live on in my memories and be loved as deeply as he loved others.
Al Kormondy
December 29, 2011
I've known "Skip" since grammer school and although I didn't see him often I felt we were good friends.
I pray for him and may he rest in peace.
Samantha Hennessey
December 29, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Skip's family.
December 29, 2011
Goodby Skip. The world will miss your stories, your sense of humor and your dedication. You were my friend, my co-worker and my mentor. There will never be another " Al Capone of Albany Street"
Rich Bockmann (Jackson, NJ)
Nancy Guadagnino
December 28, 2011
To The Guadagnino Family
I just heard of my cousin's passing. My sincere sorrow for your loss.
Donna Bogoney
December 28, 2011
Dear Pat Kathy & Family Skippy's so sorry to hear of Skippy's passing. May it comfort you to know he helped many and will be deeply missed by those who's life's he has touched.
Donna Stacy & John Bogoney
Millie Martin
December 28, 2011
Skippy - you were one in a million - a gentle, generous man. We will miss you! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers always. Millie & Jim Martin
Dorothy Sturniolo
December 28, 2011
Skip, you were a great boss and a wonderful human being;I always smile when I think of you. My sincere condolences to Kathye and the family...you will be missed.
Jay Woods
December 28, 2011
Dear Patrick & Kathye;
My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time.Growing up all of us looked up to Skip because he was a great indivdual! He would do whatever he could to help and keep you out of bad situations. He will truly be missed and may God bless and keep all of you!
Jay Woods
Bea Franklin
December 28, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
victor gugay
December 28, 2011
skippy you were a great guy and we had alot of times together back in the 60 and 70s..you me jeff d before he passed..pat and kathy ..if your reading this..hope you guys are well...save a place for me skip at the table..we all will be back together again ..one day...is there a livingston avenue up there????
Heather Casey
December 27, 2011
Heaven gained yet another angel last week as the world lost one of the strongest yet most generous people I've ever met, my former boss Joseph "Skip" Guadagnino. Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends during this time of grief
Malcolm Quigley
December 27, 2011
I met Skip in the 70"s when he came to work for me at the North Brunswick Drug Clinic.I learned a lot from Skip. He and I enjoyed many good times at work as well as playing golf or many things we did together. He once said that"I would be in his life forever". I felt the same towards him. I am very thankful to have had Skip in my life.
Malcolm Quigley
Misty Shores
December 27, 2011
Skip,
You will be missed. Thanks for all you gave to your staff, your family, and most of all the people you served through New Brunswick Counseling Center.
Best
Bryan Burtnick
December 27, 2011
My life was changed several times over by the force of Skip's work, his personality, and his intervention. So much more than just "a character", but certainly that too. From Santa Monica to New Brunswick-let's face it- no one could ignore this guy. A powerful force for good, and a very dear man.
My sincere condolences to all he loved, and to all who loved him.
John Ross
December 27, 2011
Skippy was a positive force for many people of all ages and ethnicity. In addition, he was a good guy to be around. He will be missed by many who knew him and will be remembered by all who were the beneficiaries of his deeds.
December 27, 2011
Skip,
Thanks for the vision, leadership,courage,and caring you demonstrated to us in the addiction field.
We will all use your example to carry on the fight.
God Bless,
-Richard J.Bowe
Executive Director,
Addiction Professionals Certification Board, inc.
Marsha Walton
December 27, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to the family as you celebrate a life well lived. Skippy was a compassionate and tireless advocate for those seeking to recover from a life of addiction he will be missed.
Sincerely, Marsha Walton
December 27, 2011
Dear Marcela and family,
There are no words to express how very sorry we are for your loss. It is hoped that you know how much you and Skippy mean to us. You'll be in our hearts and prayers for many days to come. Love, Wayne & Karen
December 27, 2011
Dear Kathy,Pat and family, so very sorry to hear about your brother, May God Bless you and give you the strength you need at this very sad time. Sincerely, Pat DeCaro.
December 27, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family. May you all rely on God Almighty through prayers. Luke 22:43.
Anthony Spadaro
December 26, 2011
Skippy,
One who gave all!
May you rest in peace.
Debra Wentz
December 26, 2011
We at the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. thank you for the privilege of having known Skip, such a dedicated, compassionate individual who was warm, caring and a leader in his field. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Our hearts are heavy and we are deeply saddened by his loss but he will live on in our memories and all the great work he did on behalf of so many.
With heartfelt sympathy and friendship,
Debra Wentz and the Members of NJAMHAA staff and Board and membership
Leah & Ron Solebello
December 26, 2011
Dearest Pat, Kathy, and family. So very saddened to hear of your loss. I know no words can ease your pain but I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat and Bob Toth
December 26, 2011
Dear Guadagnino Family
We are so sorry to learn of Skippy's passing. He truly was an exceptional person and it was My pleasure to have worked for him and to have known him. We didn't always see eye to eye but we always had a respect for one another. He contributed so much to the treatment of Drug and Alcohol Addiction in the state of NJ. A good friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
Pat
Sam Donato
December 26, 2011
Skip was a good truck driver for New Brunswick Housewreckers. Helped me demolish the Job Corps in Edison . He is in my prayers.
Sam Donato
David Kerr
December 26, 2011
Skip and I were friends for decades in the battle to find dollars and help for tens of thousands of addicts. Skip was a true pioneer in the field of addiction treatment. He spoke his mind no matter what the consequences and he made a difference in the lives of thousands of addicts. He is a friend to our field and was a good friend of mine. I am very sad to hear of his passing and offer my symphathies to his family. Dave Kerr
December 26, 2011
Sincere condolences from the Clark Family, Patricia, John & Michael Clark
Tom Santopietro
December 26, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was always nice to me and treated everyone with the utmost respect.
Tom St.Peter
December 26, 2011
Skip, Thanks for all you have given to your clients and your staff. You will always be remembered with love and affection. MARSHIA GYURICZ
( Santa Fe, New Mexico )
Dee Blanchard
December 26, 2011
Marcela, Pat & Kathye, & Family...it was a sad day to hear of Skippy's passing. Know that he may be gone but will never be forgotten...Skip touched so many
Dave D'Alonzo
December 26, 2011
Pat amd Family,
Your brother was a true New Brunswick icon. A great athlete growing up and a great friend to many of us. He touched many people while turning around the lives of hundreds. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
RIP Skippy Guad
RICH FISCHER
December 26, 2011
GAUDAGNINO FAMILY SKIP WAS A GIFT TO ALL THAT KNEW HIM,THANK GOD HE LEFT A INDELIBLE MARK ON THIS WORLD.IM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN HIM!HE WILLTRULY BE MISSED BY MANY.
Jeff Day
December 23, 2011
Uncle Joe,
Thank you for all the wonderful memories, we will all surely miss you.
Allison Day
December 22, 2011
Uncle Joe,
What a life you led and we were happy to have had a small part. You have left behind an awesome legacy with the many lives that you touched. Thank you for the many stories. We will miss you. Rest in peace with Grandpa Jack.
Love,
The Days
Joe Guadagnino
December 21, 2011
Dad, just another short note to tell you, again, just how much you're missed.
love, joe
Tom, Judy, Talia & Sarina Labadie
December 20, 2011
You were adored and respected by so many. I know you were proud of the legacy you left behind. So blessed to have had you in our lives.
Joe Guadagnino
December 20, 2011
Dad you'll be missed. I love you and may God hold you forever.
Joe
December 20, 2011
Way to show us how life should be done. Salute.
Hope Ulicny
December 19, 2011
Mr. Guadagnino will be truly missed. I always looked forward to his phone calls and his jokes. God Bless!
Nick, Amy, Salvatore & Gabriella Antonucci
December 19, 2011
We love you and will miss you dearly Grandfather! You were such an inspiration to us all!
The Wujek-Calcaterra Family
December 19, 2011
May we continue to honor and respect all the lessons we have learned; acting as living symbols of a loving spirit. You are in our prayers.
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