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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.
280 S. Main St., Plymouth, MI 48170
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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