Sidney Earle Guthrie

1946 - 2026

Sidney Earle Guthrie
March, 2026

Sidney Earle Guthrie passed away on March 8, 2026, in a memory care home in Alameda, California at the age of 79. The son of Dr. and Mrs. C.E. Guthrie, Sid was born at Norwalk Hospital and grew up in Wilton, Ct. From a young age he enjoyed working on engines and always had a project underway in the family garage. He kept his siblings' cars running and even taught his younger sisters how to drive.
After graduating from Wilton High School in 1965, Sidney enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a four-year tour of duty, working as a mechanic on a troop carrier. He repaired jeeps and amphibious landing equipment and in his off-duty time, volunteered in the ship's library and played guitar.
Following his military service, Sidney joined the Bob Sharp Race team as a mechanic where he worked on race engines alongside his longtime friend David Auerbach. In 1974 Sidney relocated to Berkeley, California, where he established his own automotive repair business. Sidney was beloved by his clients and kept a scrapbook dedicated to the people he served and their cars.
In 1975 Sidney formed a lifelong partnership with Nancy Bissell and embraced her two young children, Jessica and Sasha. Sid loved having a family, and enjoyed cooking, gardening, bluegrass and folk music, and attending the opera with Nancy! Together, they celebrated 51 years of love and companionship.
Sid was a quiet, thoughtful, and kind person. A committed environmentalist, he made every effort to minimize his impact on the earth – raising worms, recycling and reusing whenever possible. If he saw a problem he could solve, he simply stepped in and did so.
Sidney is survived by his partner, Nancy; and her children Jessica and Sasha; and her grandchildren Ninarose, Alexander, and Ryan; and his siblings Joe, Jane, Susan, and Peggy, and many beloved nephews and nieces.