WARREN — Albert “Sonny” Guarnieri III, 97, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, March 26, 2024, while at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House. He was modest in his style and caring, patient and strong. He was a true gentleman and a joy to be around.
Albert was born Jan. 15, 1927, in Warren, the son of Albert Guarnieri Jr. and Elsie McKay.
He grew up in Warren, attending St. Mary School and graduating from Warren G. Harding High School. Upon graduation in 1945, he joined the Navy. After the war, he attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and graduated in June 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce. He loved Notre Dame and was a quiet lifelong “Domer.” While at Notre Dame, he served as senior football manager, a position that required being a jack of all trades. The Notre Dame Scholastic magazine indicated that Albert’s job required him to play the part of a diplomat. “Every week he (Guarnieri) [had] to withstand the waves of newsmen, autograph-hunters, spies and various non-entities that regularly descend upon the team.” Albert always revered coach Frank Leahy and was proud of his role with Notre Dame football.
After college, Albert returned to Warren, and in 1953, married the love of his life, Ann Camisa. Thus began their nearly 70 years together, having a family and so many experiences with family and friends. With an open-door policy, the Guarnieri house seemed to be a magnet for kids and friends over so many years, and sports permeated most things. Al enjoyed his naps on the couch while “watching” college and pro football in autumn, and took the family skiing in the winter, but most important, was golf. He and Ann would play as much as possible throughout the years, especially at Trumbull Country Club and at Hilton Head Island, where the family spent many vacations. They loved the annual golf weekend away with so many of their closest friends. His kids, of course, remember his putting and chipping in the living room throughout the winter and his golf lessons. He led by example, gave his children lots of rope to learn and instilled in them the ability to make their own decisions.
Albert was also a leader in business and community affairs. In 1951, he joined his father in the family business, Albert Guarnieri & Company. He led the company through many expansions over the years and the “warehouse” was integral to family life. Two of his sons then joined Albert in the business, and together they continued it past the 100-year anniversary.
Although laid-back in many ways, Albert always moved fast at work and often reminded his staff and children that “the customer is our priority.” Albert was also a leader in the community. Among other community groups, he served as a director at Union Savings & Trust Bank and Warren General Hospital. He also served on industry boards such as the Ohio Association of Tobacco and Candy Distributors and the National Candy Wholesalers Association. In 2009, he was inducted into the Warren high schools “Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.”
He was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Albert is survived by his four children: three sons, Robert (Donna), John (Jodi) and Albert E Guarnieri (Kristen); and a daughter, Patricia (Richard McClerin); sister, Lucille Guarnieri McGuire Bayman; sister-in-law, Sandy Guarnieri; eight grandchildren, Brett Guarnieri, Christina Noonan, Michael Guarnieri, Kristen Battaglia, Brian Guarnieri, Kelli Guarnieri, Marcus Guarnieri and Kendra Guarnieri; seven great-grandchildren, Jack Noonan, Ben Noonan, Eliana Guarnieri, Beckett Guarnieri, Briggs Guarnieri, Grace Guarnieri and Nora Guarnieri; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, in 2022; his parents, Albert and Elsie Guarnieri; and his brother, Donald Guarnieri.
Family and friends may pay their respects 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren.
Additional calling hours will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 3020 Reeves Road, Warren, OH 44483.
A funeral Mass celebrating Albert’s life will follow calling hours on Saturday, at the church, with the Rev. Christopher Cicero presiding.
Inurnment will be in All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to John F. Kennedy High School, 2550 Central Parkway SE, Warren, OH 44484.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Guarnieri family.
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