Joseph Michael Guarino

1923 - 2010

Joseph Michael Guarino obituary, 1923-2010

BORN

1923

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive

Houston, Texas

Joseph Guarino Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 19, 2010.

JUDGE JOSEPH M. GUARINO passed into eternal life on the 18th of October 2010, in the loving presence of his family. He died the way he lived, embraced and surrounded by those he loved. He lived a full, rich and rewarding life. He was born in Houston, Texas on the 28th of January 1923, to Michael Guarino and Madeline Porcarello Guarino. Joe was a scholar-athlete at St. Thomas High School where he was a standout in both baseball and football. He graduated from St. Edward's University in Austin in 1943, and joined the U.S. Navy. Commissioned as an Ensign at the age of 20 he was assigned as the gunnery officer on a Landing Ship, the USS LST 494. He made the initial assault on Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion. He later saw action in the Invasion of Southern France and in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS LST 375 as her gunnery and executive officer. Like many of his generation, Joe's character was molded in large measure by his experiences during WW II. He was proud of his service and remained close to his shipmates over the years. Throughout his life, Joe exhibited integrity coupled with great moral and physical courage. He was a great American.

After the war, Joe returned to Houston and in 1948, married the love of his life, Della Grace Trapolino. She became his life partner and they embarked upon a 62 year love affair. Together they enjoyed the rich rewards that God bestows upon those who cultivate a loving family and many dear friends. Joe had a kind and loving heart. He always felt the need to help the less fortunate and generously assisted many charities.

Joe graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1949, practiced law in Houston, served as an assistant district attorney in Harris County and in 1963 was appointed the first Judge of County Criminal Court-at-Law No 4. In 1968 Governor Preston Smith appointed him to the newly created 183rd Criminal District Court. He became the first Italian-American and second Roman Catholic in Texas to serve on a State District Bench. He retired in 1986 but continued to serve as a Senior District Judge for a number of years. Joe was a highly respected and popular jurist who never had an opponent during his many terms of elected office.

Joe was active in community religious and civic activities but his real priority was his family. He cherished the time he shared with his wife, children and grandchildren. Joe and his wife had a true love of travel and took many wonderful vacations with family and friends and friends. He also treasured spending time with those he loved at his house in Jamaica Beach.

Our beloved "Poppi" is survived by his loving wife, Della Grace; his three children, Michael Guarino and wife, Jeannie, Gregory Guarino and wife, Joanne, and Kathy Guarino Danna and husband Bernard; his six grandchildren, who he lovingly called his "jewels," Jodie Guarino, Allison Danna, Kelley Guarino, Carol Danna, Gregory Guarino Jr. and Ben Danna. Other relatives include his sister, Natalie Guarino Voelkel; sisters-in-law, Myra Guarino and Mary Ann Guarino; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Peter J. Guarino and Michael J. "Mickey" Guarino Jr., as well as his brother-in-law James "Bucky" Voelkel.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jaffer Ajani and Dr. Pat Cook for the wonderful care and attention they provided. A special thanks also to Rosa Carcamo, Charlotte Norman, Raquel Rosales and Tim Frankel for their kind and loving care.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 20th of October, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence at seven o'clock.

The Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Thursday, the 21st of October, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, where the Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus, Galveston – Houston Dioceses, will officiate.

The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

Those honored to serve as casket bearers during the services will be his two grandsons and nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers include Ted Dinerstein, Jack Joplin, Jack McConn, the Honorable William Hatten, the Honorable Patricia Lykos, Carol Vance, Joe Ellis, Charles Laviage, James Pearson, John Parsley, Howard Katz, the Honorable Gray Miller, the Honorable David Garner, and the surviving members of the USS LST 494 Association.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial gifts in honor of Joe may be directed to Strake Jesuit College Prepatory, 8900 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX, 77036; St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX, 77007; Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 1100 Parthenon PL, New Caney, TX, 77357; or to the charity of one's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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October 14, 2019

Friend

Mary Walker

He was a really nice man. He and my late father Judge Ben Woodall worked together in the DA'S Office . Judge Guarino would bring
a hard boiled egg for lunch and eat at his desk . One day my Dad switched out the hard boiled egg for a uncooked egg . When the Judge cracked the egg on the desk he got an unpleasant surprise . They enjoyed many laughs together. He was a well respected Judge.
Once we were at their house for hamburgers . I played catch with his son in the backyard. We enjoyed our evening at their home .
I became a Realtor for 48 years. Three of my children are in law enforcement. David and Carol Bateson are Sargeants in Harris County
and David is the helicopter pilot and my daughter is with transportation at Ben Taub ad LBJ . My grandson in law is a Detective in homicide at Fort Bend. Call and tell me about your family .

Sincerely,

Mary Woodall Walker


832-766-1661

November 14, 2010

Frank Dodero

I consider it a privelege to have known Joe through the LST 473 Group. I met Joe for the first time in Sealy Texas,he had a great sense of humor,often expressed in the repartory of some of his experiences and "stories' he related. These were pleasureable times spent with someone I had just met,but seemed as though he were a longtime friend who made me feel very comfortable in his presence. It was very easy to know Joe the "man" The second time we met, which was in New Orleans , he was jovial and so friendly , I felt so at ease in my conversation with him. I know that Joe is with the LORD. GOD BLESS. Frank Dodero

November 10, 2010

David Green

Another member of "The Greatest Generation" has left, and in this case, Judge Guarino was definitely one of the best! Such grace, charm, dignity in tis true Catholic gentleman and St. Thomas High School alum. udge Guarino was/is one of those special individuals who come into our lives ever so often and make us all better people for having known him. We know that he is looking down on all of us now and enjoting himself, and just waiting around for "Miss Della Grace" and Judge Hatten to join him. I have a feeling that he may have to wait awhile longer for either/or both of these two individuals to show up, but in the meantime, there are still people in heaven who will benefit from his courage, wisdom, and dedication to God, country, and family. CARPE DIEM Judge! sincerely, Janie and David Green. PS: Can you imagine those two main characters from Boston Legal trying their tactics in his court???!!

October 25, 2010

Melvin Pechacek

Judge Guarino's Court was the one I was assigned to as a prosecutor in 1982-3. I learned a lot from him, and always smile when I think of him - he brings back a lot of good memories. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

October 22, 2010

Joe Draughn

"The world is a lesser place without Judge Joe Guarino. He loved life and he made those around him feel appreciated. My condolences to Della Grace and the Guarino Family. He was one of a kind." Joe Draughn, Retired Justice, 14th Court of Appeals.

October 22, 2010

Kathy Tickle

Judge Guarino was a very special man and will be greatly missed. I had the pleasure of working with him in court several times when he covered as a visiting judge. I always looked forward to when I did get the chance to work with him. He was such a pleasant and thoughtful man. I always loved to hear his tales about his family, which he loved dearly. May God bless the whole Guarino family. My prayers are with you.

October 22, 2010

Michelle Canzoneri

My condolences on the passing of this very sweet man. Our family has great memories of him.

October 22, 2010

Mary Walker

I knew Judge Joseph Guarino was a great man because my late father Ben Woodall worked with him in the District Attorneys Office in 1954 shortly after we arrived in Houston. Best I can remember from age ten there was only the Laura Koppe Gang and those Prosecutors sent the whole gang to prison. They didn't wait for hundreds of gangs to show up.

October 21, 2010

Mary Ann Bankston

The first court I was assigned to when I went to work in the Harris County District Attorney's office was the 183rd. This is where I met Judge Guarino. He was always so nice to me when I visited the courtroom. My sympathy and prayers are with his dear family.

October 21, 2010

michael trapolino

della..so sorry to hear of joe's passing..so sorry i'm just now getting back into town..joe was a great friend to my dad tannie and my uncle jerome and
was always so gracious to me...my heartfelt condolence's

October 21, 2010

Patricia L

My prayers are with Judge Guarino's family and friends. I remember the first time I served on a Jury, 1980's criminal trial, Joseph Guarino was the Judge. I still remember him and understand the importance of serving on a Jury. I was in my early '30's and very scared, but his presence and control helped to make me calm and even grow up during those four days. I have been a juror on almost ten cases. GOD BLESS JUDGE GUARINO & FAMILY.

October 21, 2010

Kathleen Hindman White

Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Guarino Family.Many cherished memories with Judge Guarino will be with all of you and all he touched through his life.I know how my family has always had the utmost respect for the Guarino family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you today.

October 21, 2010

Gene Edwards

He is the only judge who ever allowed me, a defense attorney, to simulate a lineup in his courtroom. And his allowing me to do so led to the acquittal of an innocent man. His sense of humanity, decency, and fairness made practicing law in his court an absolute joy.

October 21, 2010

Don Guarino

The patriarch of the Guarino's left a wonderful and lasting legacy for those of us left behind. I remember with great fondest the summers spent in Seabrook with cousin Joe, Della Grace, Uncle Mike Aunt Madeline and all my cousins. On behalf of my siblings I'd like to express our condolences on the passing of Judge Guarino and hope for a calm healing as you deal with his passing.

Sincerely,

Donald P. Guarino, Jr.

October 20, 2010

Judge Guarino was my sister's father-in-law. My husband and I only met him a few times, but he was always very gracious to us. We knew Judge Guarino mostly through his loved ones. It was always very apparent how much his son Greg, daughter-in-law Joanne, and grandchildren Jodie and Gregory loved, admired and respected him. You could sense it whenever they spoke of him. How blessed to have such a fine man as a father, father-in-law and grandfather.

Please accept our deepest sympathy,

Ron and Mary Blevins

October 20, 2010

Gary Voelkel

My Uncle Joe,
What a wonderful inspiration and person, throughout your journey here you always treated people with great dignity and kindness, may you enjoy heaven as much as you enjoyed life here, I going to miss you and your laughs and smiles so much. Uncle Joe you taught me fairness, honesty, and family values; thanks... I love you, your nephew Gary

October 20, 2010

Jeanette Macaluso Lewis

To Della Grace and Family,
We were saddened to hear the news about the death of your beloved Joe and we would like to convey our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Joe's limitness compassion and warm smile will be always be remembered by us. May the Good Lord wrap you in His arms and comfort all of you in your time of grief.

The family of Marion and Pat Macaluso

October 20, 2010

May the Lord bless your family during this time. Judge Guarino was admired and respected by so many. He was definitely one of a kind.
The Ogg Family

October 20, 2010

Michael Hindman

The Guarino family have been dear friends of my family the Hindman's for many,many years. The entire Guarino family has always been the model for true family values and pure Christian living. Judge Guarino and Della Grace and the family are beyond reproach when it comes to respectability. Judge Guarino will be missed by so many, but his spirit will live forever.. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Guarino family today..

Michael, Cheryl and Shawn Hindman

October 20, 2010

Jane Powell

My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and Jeannie. I will keep you and your family in thoughts and prayers. I hope you will find comfort in your memories. God Bless You & Your Family.
Warmest regards,
Jane Powell, Houston

October 20, 2010

Frances Smith

Judge Guarino was a personal hero of mine. I first met him went he donated part of his chambers for Harris County Pre-Trial Release offices, where I found employment. Both my parents worked for Harris County also, and I know they held him in high esteem. Perhaps they are going over old times with him in Heaven right now. In my spare time, I liked to sit in the 183rd and watch trials. He was stern but compassionate on the bench. When I returned to the court house for jury duty some 25 years later, I was pleased to find Judge Guarino was the visiting judge and I was honored that he remembered me. The last time, I was there, we visited the new 183rd court room and I pointed out his portrait to my son. They truly do not make men like him anymore. Rest in Peace, Your Honor. My prayers for your family.

October 20, 2010

Becky Hernandez

My thoughts and prayers are with Judge Guarino's family. May God keep his loving arms around all of you today and for days to come. Much love Becky Hernandez

October 20, 2010

James & Mary Pinto

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I always admired you both,

love James Pinto, Jr.
Son of James and Kathryn Pinto

October 20, 2010

Maurizio and Tiziana Momoli

We had the pleasure and the honor of knowing Judge Guarino when we moved to Houston many years ago and we stayed in touch when we finally relocated in Italy and still visited Houston regularly. Joe always had a warm welcome and a hug for us when we got together. Whether he would share some of his memories or tell one of his great stories, he had a way of being funny, moving, enthusiastic, affectionate. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment we spent with him and we are deeply saddened knowing he is no longer with us – we will feel a big void the next time we are in Houston. We are far away now, but we would like our good friend Della Grace and the rest the family to have our heart-felt sympathy for the separation from this extraordinary soul, who will no doubt have a special place in Heaven.

October 20, 2010

Velma Gonzales

To the Guarino Family - May God be with you at this time of sorrow.

Judge Guarino married us in 1966, what a great person he was!! He will be truly missed.
Now he and Pete can tell each other jokes in heaven and have all of the angels laughing. May they both rest in peace in GOD's paradise, until we all meet again.

October 20, 2010

Kaylynn Williford

Judge Guarino will be truly missed. He was an outstanding judge and advocate for justice. I will be holding your family in my prayers. I had the honor of knowing him from the bench as a prosecutor. He was an exemplary role model and American. May God bless you all and yours. Kaylynn Williford

October 20, 2010

Judge Guarino was a the epitome of what a judge should be. All young judges should try to strive to have the judicial of Judge of Guarino. Judge Guarino and Della Grace were good and loyal frined of the Padon family. Our deepest sympathny.

Nano and Jim Cox, Houston

October 20, 2010

Dear Della Grace,
How my family loved our daddy's (Louis Pontello) dearest friend, Judge Guarino! My heart is breaking right now but I find such comfort knowing that Daddy, Joe and Charles Danna are laughing together again. Perhaps they are contemplating their pasta and meatballs at the Sacred Heart Thursday lunch! I will always remember Joe's fun nature, his wonderful laugh and sense of humor. What a dear, dear man. My love and prayers go out to you and the family. He will forever be in my heart!
Love,
Susan Pontello Bowman

October 20, 2010

DIANE G.

I remember meeting this man when my uncle worked for the DA's Office. May God be with you at this time of sorrow.

October 20, 2010

Antonette Danna

I'm so sorry to hear of the death of Judge Guarino. He and Della Grace were dear friends of my parents, Joe and Sybil Danna. Judge Guarino always had kind words for me. What a sweet, and loving man. I wish the best for his family at this most difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that he has now seen the face of God.

Love...

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