Raymond John Guarino

Raymond J. Guarino passed away on September 6, 2026 at his home in Essex surrounded by his family and beloved granddog. He was 96 years old. Ray was born in Waterbury and moved to Hamden where he attended the public schools, graduating from Hamden High School in 1949. He briefly attended UCONN and left school to join the Air Force, serving his country in the U.S. and Newfoundland during the Korean War. He returned to Connecticut in 1954 where he rejoined the family business, Newhall Wayside Nurseries in Hamden and, later, Northford. He loved to point out the work he did on I-91 during its construction, where he was responsible for grading and seeding a large portion of the road. He also reminded anyone driving by a site of the company’s work on the Coast Guard Academy, Lyman Orchard Jones golf course, Knights of Columbus headquarters, Olin Manufacturing, Aetna building in Middletown and multiple towns’ parks and athletic fields. After the business was sold in 1985, he sold heavy equipment, which was a job he described as “fun and easy” compared to owning and running a business.

Ray was a member of The Hamden Elks, American Legion, Hamden Beautification Committee, Operating Engineers and a founding member of the board of the West Haven Veterans Museum. He was very proud of the many years he spent in the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, culminating as commandant and was a member of the Governor’s Military Staff. Through this role, he kept company with many special people and wonderful leaders, including mayors, governors, congressmen and even the Queen of England. It will take his family a lifetime to go through the many pictures and mementos.

Ray’s proudest accomplishments were found in the care he gave his family. His wife of 68 years, Anita, his daughters, Ellen Piotrowski (Jim) and Jan Perruccio (Greg), and his grandsons, Tim (fiance, Rebecca) and Chris, were his pride and joy. He cared for and worried about them until the end. He left each person with individualized messages which were very much on brand: “Work Hard”, “Take care of your grandmother”, “Stay happy!”, were the marching orders we received. Nobody was left out of the commands. Then he left everyone his final words: “I’ve had a good life. Don’t cry.”

Ray is predeceased by his father, Peter and mother, Vienna (Nigro), and siblings, Devora and Alfred. Besides his immediate family,he is survived by his sisters, Myrna and Lorraine and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the amazing caregivers at Right at Home in Old Saybrook. Ray loved them and was greatly comforted by their care. We also thank his extended care team at the V.A. in Newington, Hartford Health Care and HHC at Home. Thanks to friends and neighbors for your kind concern and love.

Donations in Ray’s name may be made to: Special Olympics, Connecticut Donate

A mass will take place at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook on Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. A military funeral will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue, North Haven, CT.