Ralph F. Guastella

Ralph F. Guastella obituary, Plymouth, MI

Ralph F. Guastella

Ralph Guastella Obituary

Visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Ralph F. Guastella, age 89 of Livonia passed away on October 27, 2025. Ralph was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 1936 to his parents, the late Anna (née Bastianelli) and Frank Guastella.

Ralph is the beloved and devoted husband of 68 years to his wife, Mary Lou (née Saam) and loving father of three children – Larry (Cali) Guastella, Dan (Susan) Guastella and Dave (Theresa) Guastella; proud Papa of Vanessa (Brian) Titus, Brian (Ashley) Guastella, Megan (Thomas) Fineis, Ashley (Joe) Hollinger, Daniel (Teresa) Guastella, Jonathon (Renée) Guastella, Alexis (Zachary Gambrell) Guastella and Great-Papa of 16 great-grandchildren.

He is pre-deceased by his grandsons David Guastella (surviving spouse Mary Novokhovsky) and Anthony Guastella. He is also pre-deceased by his brother Charles F. Guastella.

Ralph was an avid winemaker. He loved learning about the art of winemaking and was intent on keeping this Italian tradition an annual event. He enjoyed sharing the winemaking process and his wine with his entire family and friends.

Ralph’s other hobby was making bird houses. Just like winemaking, building bird houses was a hands-on project that allowed him and his family to observe wild birds up close and gave him a deep sense of satisfaction while providing a safe home for precious wildlife. He actually combined his wine making with building the bird houses hobbies by creatively incorporating a number of wine corks on exterior walls and the roof designs.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. There will be a Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M.

Visitation will resume on Friday, October 31, 2025 at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 South Lilley Road, Canton beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the start of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M.

Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Army and will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan with full military honors.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Ralph F. Guastella are invited to consider a contribution to Alzheimer’s Association.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home and at the Church

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Schrader-Howell Funeral Home

280 S. Main St., Plymouth, MI 48170

Make a Donation
in Ralph Guastella's name

How to support Ralph's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ralph Guastella's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more