Obituary of John Carl Guarino

John Carl Guarino, born June 27, 1956, in St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, surrounded by family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his two children Drew (and spouse Katie

Guarino) and Krista (and spouse Capt Owen Field, USAF), his grandchildren Grayson and Lexi

Field, his mother Lorraine, his brothers Joe and Jim (and spouse Mary Lynn),

his aunt Janice DelPrete, his cousin Louis DelPrete, and many more loving relatives. He boasted a wonderful 43 years with his wife who will miss him dearly. John took great pride in his two children: Drew who works for Microsoft, and Krista who is a stay-at-home Mom and Air Force spouse. He adored his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Grumpy,” even though he was never grumpy towards them. John cherished his family and there was never any doubt that they were his top priority.

As a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg, John graduated from St. Pete Catholic and University of South Florida. He was a very well-known CPA and St. Pete business owner. John earned a reputation as not only a brilliant accountant, but one who valued and nurtured the personal relationships he had with each of his clients; regularly putting their needs above his own and quietly sacrificing his time and energy for them. During tax season, which for John was never-ending given the patience and care he took with every return, he was always the last one to lock up, often after dark. But even then, he’d arrive home and take a stroll around the house to pull some weeds and admire his yard. John’s favorite stress relievers were his home and landscape projects and few, if any, could possibly meet his meticulous standards! 

John was an active community volunteer who donated his time to Suncoast Center, the Police Athletic League, and Pasadena Yacht & Country Club. He was honored for his generous work at The Boys & Girls Club, winning The Man and Youth Award. 

As he valiantly battled cancer, defying his final days by more than a year, he intensified his focus on the most important things in his life, his family and his faith. John was a special individual and dear friend to many whose absence will be felt deeply.  

A memorial service will be held on Fri., Jan. 13 at 2 pm at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK Jr. St N. The family will receive guests beginning at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Association for Cancer Research at aacr.org.