In Memory of Guido Iavarone

Guido Iavarone, 92, of Marco Island, FL, died Saturday, April 23, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. Guido was born on December 26, 1929 to Ciro and Antonietta (Magaldi) Iavarone in Manhattan. 

After growing up in Manhattan, Guido resided in Yonkers, New York and Hamilton, New Jersey. After many years of being a snowbird, Guido, and his wife Marie, made Marco Island their full-time home in 2020. 

Guido attended Benjamin Franklin High School in Manhattan. Guido’s military service includes that of the New York State Guard, the New York National Guard, the United States Army and the United States Air Force. Guido was a Communication Sergeant and a graduate of the Air Force Technical School in Radio Mechanics. Guido was responsible for the care and maintenance of aircraft communications equipment. After leaving the military, Guido studied engineering at The City College of New York. 

Guido’s career after the military included working for several defense contractors in the aerospace sector where his area of specialty was microwave engineering. During this time, Guido designed several defense missile systems for the military. 

Guido’s hobbies included fishing, clamming and gardening. During many summer vacations on Shelter Island, New York, he was famous for wearing his safari hat and for his baked clams. He loved gardening and grew tomatoes, cucumbers and an abundance of other vegetables and fruits. His favorite plant was his fig tree which was over 100 years old making its way to the United States from Italy. 

He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus of San Marco Catholic Church. 

Guido is survived by his wife Marie of 65 years, the love of his life, his four daughters Cynthia Donegan, Gail Helfrick, Alison Iavarone and Jennifer Iavarone d'Alessandro, along with his sons-in-law Roy Helfrick and Edward d’Alessandro. He is also survived by his three beloved granddaughters Courtney Cecchini, Caroline Donegan and Alegra d’Alessandro. 

Guido was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Francesco, Antonio and Gino. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, 577 East Elkcam Circle, Marco Island, Florida. A Funeral Mass will follow at San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, Florida 34145 at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Guido’s memory may be made to Avow Hospice, www.avowcares.org.