Mr. Raymond Joseph Guardino entered peacefully into eternal rest on November 18th, 2019 at Bay Pines VA Medical Center. He was 72 years old.
Originally from The Bronx, NY, Ray enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduating from Christopher Columbus High School in 1966. He served proudly and duties took him to Vietnam working with a Field Artillery unit. As his time in Vietnam progressed, he was awarded several medals for his dedicated service including: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars affixed and The Purple Heart. Ray was honorably discharged in 1969, returned home and attended Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Shortly after he worked with RJ Nabisco from 1970 to 1990 and later a second career as a construction contractor. A man who loved fishing, gardening, gambling and playing Lotto (which he always seemed to win), Ray always had a soft spot for his pets and his favorite was always Cesar.
He leaves behind the most cherished love of his life, wife Patricia, with whom he enjoyed 50 years of marriage; daughters Diana (Nick) Del Peschio and Joanna Guardino; grandchildren Joella Marie Del Peschio, Raymond J. Keelin and Leonardo V. Keelin.
Services and Ceremonies are arranged by Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL and will all take place in Bradenton & Sarasota.
Viewing/Visitation will be on Tuesday Nov 26th, 2019 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm and Funeral Ceremony will follow at 3:00pm officiated by Pastor Herb MacMillan. Tuesday’s services will be held at Shannon Funeral Home, Westview Chapel (5610 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton 34209). Raymond will be laid to rest on Wednesday Nov 27th, 2019 at 10:00am at Sarasota National Cemetery (9810 SR 72, Sarasota 34241). He has earned, and will be celebrated with, full military honors from the US Army and American Legion Post 159. Cemetery service attendees are encouraged to arrive between 9:30 – 9:45am.
VeteransFuneralCare.com
Condolences to the Graudino family
My God be with you at your time of need. He will be missed
Janet ……….caregiver ❤️
Condolences to Pat, Joanna, Diana and family. Ray was a dear friend and will be missed.
Condolences to The Guardino family. Ray was a good man.
My condolences to the Guardino family. Ray was a fine man and I am saddened to hear of his passing.
Hugs & condolences to the Guardino family. So sorry I never got to meet Papa Ray. :-(
I want to send my condolences to the Guardino family. I knew Ray for many years, as I used to work for him. He was a great boss and an awesome mentor to me. We had some great times and a lot of great memories. I will miss Ray, but I will remember all of the good times we had together.
Rest In Peace, Ray.
Uncle Ray,
I just could not accept the fact that this day would come and for what seems like a long battle did not last long enough for me. I am forever grateful to you from being my sponsor for confirmation to my housemate for the past 6 months…I just don’t know what I will do….I am so heartbroken. PG, Jo and Di my deepest condolences.
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to the Guardino family. May Ray Rest In Peace and the memories you made be held as treasures in your heart.
Thoughts/Prayers go out to you and your whole family D during this difficult time .
Impressive what I just read about your dad above . May he R.I.P. XoXo
Our condolences and Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
May he Rest in Peace.
Di, your dad sounds like a wonderful person.
I truly wish you peace and comfort at this time.
May he rest peacefully, and he will always be in your heart.
Di, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Thank you all for your sacrifice and to your father for his service.
May he rest in peace.
D – I am deeply sorry for your loss. May your father Rest In Peace. I thank him for being such a wonderful citizen of the United States by serving our great country and being such an asset. You have to be TOP NOTCH to receive all those metals and award. G-d bless your father. I salute him! People like him make the world a better place not only for our country but also for a wonderful family such as yours. I am saddened that your father past away. My heart is hurting for all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Graudino family at this difficult time. Ray was a wonderful friend who will be sadly missed.