Joe Guggino

GUGGINO, Joe, 104, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2015 at his home. He was born and raised in Tampa. He attended St. Joseph School in West Tampa. His scholarship to Jesuit High School was interrupted by his father's illness when Joe joined the workforce at the age of 14. At the age of 21, his father Giacomo passed away and Joe became the family patriarch supporting his five siblings and his mother. He worked as a painter for the Seaboard Airline Railroad and Seaboard Atlantic Railroad for 40 years without a sick day. His loves were his family, his music, and his friends. As a young musician, he played clarinet in his Uncle Antonino Guggino's concert band. His love for playing the clarinet persisted until his 104th year of life while performing with the Elks, Moose, and Shrine Bands, and finally the Tampa Community Band, his 2nd family. Joe was a Shriner and 32nd degree Mason. Joe will be remembered as our family handyman repairing anything from appliances to hearts. His motto was to be honest, work hard, treat everyone with kindness and equality, and provide opportunity and education for the next generation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosaria and Giacomo Guggino; his wife of 62 years, Jennie Gucciardo Guggino; his brothers: Gaspar, Carl, Steve Guggino; sister, Rosalia Zambito. He is survived by his son, Jack (Judy) Guggino, MD; daughter, Rosann Guggino Garcia; grandchildren: Joseph (Marianne) Guggino, Esq. , Steven (Erin) Guggino, MD, Edward (Meghan) Garcia, MD, and Anthony (Shay) Garcia, Esq.; great grandchildren: Vincent, Giovanni, Stefano, Yasmine, Sebastien Guggino, and Jack, Will, Grace, Lucca, and Johanna Garcia; brother, Anthony Guggino; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, June 19th at 9:30 at Christ the King Catholic Church with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. A private family burial will take place at Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's honor to the Shriner's Children's Hospital. Arrangements handled by Blount & Curry, MacDill Chapel, 813-876-2421.