Domenic R. Guarnagia

Domenic Robert Guarnagia, a native of Boston, MA, and twenty-year resident of West Palm Beach, FL, after a full and rich life, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 attended by his children.

Domenic is survived by his daughter Sheila Guarnagia and son-in-law Christopher Gryder of Vinton, VA, son William Taylor Guarnagia and daughter-in-law Beth Groden Guarnagia of York, ME, his sister Josephine Peters of Franklin, MA, his brother Rocco Guarnagia of Conover, NC and grandsons, Rowan Guarnagia-Gryder of Richmond, VA, Harrison Edward Guarnagia of Boston, MA, and Colby Taylor Guarnagia of York, ME.

Domenic is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Kathleen Taylor Guarnagia, his late parents Biagio and Josephine Guarnagia, of Boston, and his late sister Phyllis Lincoln of Norton, MA.

Domenic spent his early years in South Boston, moving to Roxbury for his formative years, and later to West Roxbury as a young adult. Dom attended the Boston Public Schools, graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1955, then attended Boston State College, where he earned a B.S. ED. in 1961, followed by a M. Ed. in 1966, and eventually a C.A.G.S. in Urban Planning and Environmental Studies in 1976. Dom, a.k.a. “Mr. G”, was a revered Drafting/Architectural Drawing teacher at Boston Technical High School from 1964 to 1981. After 20 years of teaching, Dom pivoted his career into residential and light commercial construction, as the President and Owner of Realty Engineering and Design Group from 1981 to 1989, holding Building Licenses in Boston, Brookline, and Newton. From 1989 to1995 Dom was a Kitchen and Bath Designer/Construction Supervisor for Trethewey Bros. Plumbing and Heating. Dom returned to work for the City of Boston from 1996 till his retirement in 2002 and held the position of City Planner and Architect within the Department of Neighborhood Development where he focused on Affordable Housing and Elderly Housing throughout the City of Boston.

Following their retirement, Domenic and Kathleen relocated to West Palm Beach, where for over 20 years Dom volunteered his time and efforts to multiple civic and public organizations, holding numerous positions, both elected and appointed, within his community of Century Village and for the Commissioner of Palm Beach County.

A heartwarming tale of love at first sight, Domenic married Kathleen Taylor in 1963 and together they built a life of true love, mutual respect, and unwavering dedication. Over their 62 years together, Dom and Kay worked diligently to provide a stable and abundant home-life for their family, and also took many opportunities to explore the world through their extensive travels both in the US and abroad.

The consummate family man and provider, Domenic’s devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather was unparalleled. Dom worked tirelessly to ensure his family was secure, well cared for, and afforded ample opportunities for a good life. His love and dedication was boundless, evident through his never yielding delivery of support, attentiveness, and guidance. As the oldest child of four, Dom personified care, responsibility, and leadership, consistently applying and demonstrating these virtues across every aspect of his life.

Dom’s vast knowledge and mastery of wood-working, carpentry, and all elements of construction made him an indispensable and invaluable source of solutions, suggestions, and remedies to those most fortunate to receive his peerless counsel. In addition to having transformed the family’s 1860’s farmhouse into a comfortable and modern home, as the quintessential teacher, Dom was always available to offer assistance and enthusiasm to family, friends, and colleagues who were working on their own projects. Dom dispensed advice throughout his life, safeguarding many from being taken advantage of in a challenging industry to navigate.

Perhaps Dom’s greatest gift to those fortunate enough to have engaged him was his confident yet humble ability to lead by example. The integrity of the standard he upheld was fully matched by his physical presence, ability to articulate even complex concepts with clarity, gentle humor, and capability with demonstrating tools and techniques.

Dom’s positive attitude, his countless talents, many contributions, and his never-ending desire to help all made the world a brighter place over his 88 years. He will be truly missed and forever appreciated.