Salvatore Joseph Guzzardo

Salvatore J. Guzzardo, 91, of Macomb, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026. He was born on December 12, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Vito and Mary Guzzardo, and grew up in Detroit.

Sam was known for his gentle strength, kind heart, and extraordinary ability to get along with everyone he met. He had a warm, easygoing nature that made people feel comfortable in his presence.

Sam spent his career with General Motors, where he began in the mail room and worked his way up to become an Executive Accountant. He was an active member of the General Motors Men’s Club, where he enjoyed participating in bowling and golf leagues. An avid golfer and bowler, these activities brought him many friendships and happy memories over the years.

Sam met his beloved wife, Raelene, at a Parents Without Partners dance in September 1990. What followed was a true “sweep you off your feet” romance. They met in September and were married just a few months later, on December 1, 1990. Together, they shared 36 years of love, companionship, and family.

Outside of work and his leagues, Sam and Raelene enjoyed a full and active life with family and friends. They loved going to casinos, playing cards, antiquing, attending arts and crafts shows, going to the movies, dining out, and taking day trips and weekend getaways. Sam especially enjoyed helping Raelene in the garden and loved the fresh tomatoes and the recipes she created with them. He also loved his sweets and could always be counted on to ask, “What’s for dessert?”

Sam was more than a stepfather to James, Jeremy, and Jason Fisher—he treated each of them as his own from day one. His love for his family was never defined by titles, but by the way he showed up for them, cared for them, and loved them.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Raelene; sons James (Russ Pippin) and Jeremy (Melissa); and beloved grandchildren Wilson, Maria, Carter, Sophia, and Lucy. He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Fisher.

Sam was the cherished brother of Margaret (the late Joe) Buscemi, the late Vito (Patricia) Guzzardo, and Joann (the late Simon) Perri, and brother-in-law to the late Richard (the late Judith) Olcese.

He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, whose visits and time spent together he treasured dearly.

Sam shared a particularly special bond with his beloved grandchildren and was their biggest cheerleader and supporter. He never missed an event. Whether it was a sporting event, wrestling match, game, music recital, dance recital, or musical, Sam was there in the audience cheering them on. He took tremendous pride in each of them and made sure they always knew how much he loved and supported them. His younger granddaughters adored him as well and sweetly called him “Papa.” He was always ready with his sound, sage advice, unconditional love, and care.

His family will remember Sam for his gentle presence, wisdom, kindness, and the genuine affection he showed to everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Visitation will be held at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, on Sunday, October 4, from 2:00–8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m.

On Monday, October 5, at 11:00 a.m., family and friends will gather at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 17100 Van Dyke Avenue, Detroit, MI 48234, for prayers and final resting.