Eugene Michael Guglielmo Jr.

Eugene "Gene" Guglielmo Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 7, 2025, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud U.S. Army veteran, Gene lived a life rooted in service, family, and generosity.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Eugenio and Concetta Guglielmo, Gene was the youngest of six children. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton and an MBA from Indiana University. He went on to serve 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel. His military career took him around the world, including tours in Germany, Iran, Vietnam, and Belgium.
His distinguished military career earned him numerous honors, including Legion of Merit (3 OLC), Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, among others, reflecting his courage, leadership, and dedication to duty.
After retiring from the military, he followed his parents' entrepreneurial spirit, by owning and operating a Stride Rite shoe store. He enjoyed traveling the world and volunteering at Greenspring Retirement Community, where his endearing personality showed through as he brought joy through music, games and companionship to Memory Care residents.
Gene was known for his love of gardening and took great pride in his beautiful yard. As a proud Italian, he appreciated a good salami sandwich and loved making marinara sauce for everyone. He enjoyed baseball, traveling with family, belting out a favorite tune, and always made sure everyone had a new pair of shoes. Above all, his greatest joy was his family, whom he loved with a full and open heart. His kindness, charisma, generous spirit, signature dance moves, and easy smile left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary; daughters Marie Chihil (Gary), Margaret Bucklin (Edward), and Teresa Ndlovu (Dumisani); sister Palmina Hayes; seven adored grandchildren: Rachel, Nicholas, Courtney, Lauren, Ashley, Emma, and Olivia and seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that reflect Gene's deep commitment to supporting fellow service members: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Wounded Warrior Project
Recommended Lodging for Guests Embassy Suites by Hilton Springfield 8100 Loisdale Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 Courtyard Springfield 6710 Commerce Street, Springfield, Virginia, USA, 22150 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene, please visit our floral store.