Geraldine Piazza Guarino

Geraldine was a loving wife and devoted family matriarch. Her family was the center of her life, and she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and devotion that will continue through the many generations she helped nurture. She enjoyed world travels, cruising, shopping, cooking and hosting large holiday gatherings for family and friends. She was a former member of the Crew of Shangri-La where she enjoyed the magic of Mardi Gras balls, costuming and parading.

Born and raised in the famous Marigny district of New Orleans in the 1930’s, she often spoke of her childhood as living in a vibrant community filled with music, rich in cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. As a young teenager, she excelled in academics and won a scholarship to Holy Angels Academy graduating with honors in the class of 1954. While attending High School she met a young lifeguard named James Guarino who became the love of her life. Shortly after graduation, they married and began a life together focused on faith, family, and community. Like many young locals at the time, they were attracted by the promise of employment opportunities and home ownership, and moved their new family to Chalmette around 1965.

Known for her professionalism, honesty and integrity, she was an award-winning Real Estate Agent and Broker earning many prestigious awards building a career in real estate that spanned 40 years. She started her career around 1965 in Chalmette as a secretary with Margaret Marshall, she was encouraged to become one of the first female licensed real-estate agents in the State. Her pioneering effort was followed by joining Bert Rowley Real Estate who inspired her to become a licensed Real Estate Broker and opening Gerri Guarino Real Estate in the 1980’s. In 1987 she joined Gertrude Gardner later merging with Prudential Gardner REALTORS during the1990s. She retired in 2003, working only as a consultant for friends and family. She was a lifetime member of the Gertrude Gardner Presidents Club and million dollar a month club, and acclaimed winner of multiple Ruby Award and Diamond Awards. Throughout her career, Geraldine helped families buy and sell homes and handled residential and commercial real-estate transactions throughout the New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish areas. She took special pride in inspiring young families to invest in their 1st home and thrived at helping people fulfill the American dream of owning a home.

She is survived by her five children: Cheryl Tufaro (Ralph), James Guarino Jr., Jane Favalora (Steve), Michael Guarino (Judy), and Gerald Guarino (Sindy).

Geraldine was a loving grandmother to Jenny Orfanello (Lucien), Stacy Hamilton (Brad), Rachael Perrin (Ben), Melissa Guarino, Michelle Reid (Michael), Michael Guarino Jr. (Nancy), Lindsi Davis (Daniel), Kristi Calloway (Nathan), Jessica Anderson (Matt), Marisa Guarino, and Matthew Carbajal. She was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, who brought her great joy and pride.

She is also survived by her siblings, Pauline “Pudgy” Abney, Brenda Trahan (Paul), and Wilton Dominic Jr.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Lucien Guarino; her parents, Margaret Melazzo Piazza, Frank Piazza, and step father Wilton Dominic; and her siblings, Antonina “Nunny” Trahan, and Catherine Lucia. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Jimmy Trahan, Melvin Abney, Carlo Lucia and Lisa Dominic.

Geraldine will be remembered for the love she gave her family, her epic Christmas celebrations; her famous Sicilian red-gravy and culinary talent; her dedication to her career; and the strength of character she inspired in those who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on through the family she loved so dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA 70043. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM in the Chapel. She will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.