He resided in Madison County, but grew up in nearby Oconee County.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Hilah A. Smith Gugino of both Greensboro and Athens. He is survived by his life partner Sonia Abel of Nicholson, his father, John L. Gugino Jr., his stepmother, Peggy Gugino both of Statham, and his sister, Lisa Gugino Gunn and her husband Linwood Gunn and their children, Rebecca and Will Gunn, all of Marietta.
After graduating from Oconee County High School, John attended UGA where he received a BS in Business Administration. After working for several years in the business world, John decided to follow his mother’s career path and go back to school to receive his RN, which he did from Athens Tech. He then spent his entire career at Athens Regional Medical Center primarily working in the ER and intensive care. He finished his career by doing medical transfers and then retired after 20 plus years as a nurse.
John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hiking, camping, canoeing and kayaking. He and his girlfriend Sonia spent many years as members of Paddle Georgia and loved nothing more than spending a relaxing day exploring a new river and spotting wildlife. He also cherished his annual camping trip and time around the campfire with his long time buddies Joe Lawrence and Joe Compagnia. During his lifetime he was fortunate enough to have visited many beautiful natural places, and enjoyed recounting stories of his canoeing trip to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota with Joe L. and his trip to Alaska to explore Denali National Park.
John also loved animals. He had a soft heart for all furry creatures, but was especially devoted to his dogs, Jax and Sophie. He and Sonia made a trail through their wooded property just so they could walk the dogs in the nature that they loved.
John was well known for his sense of humor, friendliness, and kindness. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family. Rest In Peace, John. Your life mattered greatly to all of us that knew you.
A memorial service and celebration of life is planned for next spring on John’s beloved Broad River.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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