Cecil "Frenchy" Guidry

1923 - 2022

Cecil "Frenchy" Guidry
October 9, 1923 - January 13, 2022
Resident of San Mateo, CA
Cecil "Frenchy" Guidry passed away peacefully on January 13, 2022. Frenchy was born October 9, 1923, in Breaux Bridge, LA. One of 5 children born to parents Robert and Emilian Guidry, Frenchy was the only boy in the family.
Simply put, they broke the mold after Frenchy. Frenchy spoke français de la Louisiane exclusively until the age of 7. He was forced to learn English when he began his primary education. He was a quick study.
In 1942, Frenchy enlisted in the United States Navy in New Orleans, LA. He went through boot camp in San Diego, CA. The Navy then put him through machine school for 3 months. Frenchy met his future wife, Emma Basteri, while on shore leave San Francisco. They were married two weeks later.
Frenchy served the US Navy through three wars including World War II (USS Balch and USS Kittson), Korean War (USS Dixie) and Vietnam (USS Edmonds). Overall, he spent nearly 6 years in the service of our country during wartime. He earned the nickname Frenchy while serving on the USS Edmonds where he was pressed into service as a French English interpreter to the ship's Captain.
After his World War II service, Frenchy and Emma settled in San Fransico, CA. They took great joy in raising their two sons, Paul and Gene. In 1964, Emma and Frenchy moved to Scotts Valley, CA where they lived until moving to Concord, CA in 1986. During their long life together Emma and Frenchy enjoyed fishing, frogging, and catching and cooking crawfish and growing fruits and vegetables. They especially enjoyed traveling in their motor home ultimately covering 47 of the 50 United States.
Frenchy is survived by sister Marianne Breaux, son Paul Guidry (Rita), grandchildren, Paula Ratto (Louie), Gina Domeniconi, Teri Campbell (Eric), Cindi Edelschein (Glenn) and Kim Ricci. Great grandchildren, Chris Taylor (Jennifer), Nick Taylor (Cynthia), Krystal Higgins (Aaron) Christiana Ratto, Courteney Ricci, Jordan Edelschein, Gianna Domeniconi and Conner Ricci. Great-great grandchildren, Madelynn and Wyatt Taylor, Jessica and Porter Higgins and Christopher Taylor. Along with numerous other family and extended family members.
Frenchy was preceded in death by his wife Emma, son Gene, parents Robert and Emilian and sisters Ruby, Eula Mae, and Thelma.
He will be remembered for his remarkable service to our country, his wood working skills and his extensive knowledge of all things electrical. He will be missed by many!
At Frenchy's request, no services will be held. He will be interned in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette, CA. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his name. https://act.alz.org/site/Donation


View the online memorial for Cecil "Frenchy" Guidry