James J. Guida
May 20, 1934 ~ May 10, 2015
It is with profound sadness that the family of James Joseph (J.J.) Guida announces his passing on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at the UPMC Presbyterian hospital with his family by his side, ten days short of his 81st birthday. It is also with great pleasure that we share he was the most fantastic and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.
He is survived by his wife Rita M. Guida, children Dewey V. Guida, Rosemary Guida, Jamie A. Guida and Daniel J. (Laura) Guida, grandchildren Kelli M. Guida, Lindsay M. Martinez, J.J. Guida, Daniel J. Guida, Jr. and Megan E. Guida and brothers Anthony J. (Shirley) Guida, Sr. and Dewey J. (Karen) Guida, Jr. and many nieces and nephews. His parents Dewey Joseph Guida, Sr. and Rose Marie (Baio) Guida and sister Constance Griffo predeceased him.
J.J. was born in Steubenville, Ohio on May 20, 1934, and graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central high school in 1952. He married his wife Rita (Confalone) in 1957 at the age of 22 and raised his family in Weirton. After serving in the U.S. Army and working in Wheeling-Pitt, J.J. moved into real estate sales and development to become one of the most well-respected businessmen and land developers in the Weirton area. He worked in the industry for 51 years, first starting J.J. Guida Realty in 1964, Panhandle Realty in 1966, D & J Development in 1974, Airport Realty in 1991 and more recently, Baby Boomers and Beyond. He was also a local restaurateur, starting Happy Hero with his brother Dewey, which later became Happy's in downtown Weirton. Knowing the importance of the help he received in his early days of business, he was eager to assist others in business endeavors throughout the years.
He will always be remembered for his love of life and how much joy he brought to those around him. He had charisma and a presence about him, causing everyone to take notice when he walked into a room. He loved to be with his family and friends, enjoyed food and wine, spent time outdoors either swimming with his grandkids or exercising, listening to music or working on his businesses and new ventures. The past few years he loved going to Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Cavaliers games with his family.
He lived a full and happy life and will be sorely missed, but his presence will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be Wednesday 4 to 8 PM at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Thursday at Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Weirton, where JJ was a faithful member.
Entombment will follow at Saint Paul's Mausoleum.
Contributions in his memory may be made to: Autism Society of America, 4340 East West Hwy., Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Uncle Jimmy,
Just wanted to say how sad I was to hear of your passing. You were the BEST! Always treated me like a son and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Seems like only yesterday you were walking laps around the basketball courts at your house. You will be missed.
I love you,rest in peace.
Michael McCardel
A great person that I will never forget. Sorry for your loss.
My mother, Nelma, always thought a lot of Jim; and enjoyed her years of work in the office. My condolences to all of the family at this time. Sincerely, Don VanGilder
My Uncle Jim was like a second father to me. My heart aches knowing that I will no longer hear his voice and enjoy the many discussions we routinely had. No doubt he was the patriarch of the family always caring and loving unconditionally, putting his family and their interests first.
Jim Guida was a rare entrepreneur who was not only creative and inventive, but was one that gave back to the community he loved, while others just took from it. Weirton has lost friend.
He is at peace now, welcomed into paradise by the loved ones that have gone before him. May God bless you Uncle Jimmy, I love you.
I was so shocked and saddened to hear that JJ passed away. He was always a pleasure to be around and I considered him a friend and mentor. I\’m going to miss our lunches at DeeJays. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Jim Bollibon
Charisma is the perfect word for this man. My sincere condolences to the entire Guida family.
Jim was a great friend. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Dear Rita, Dewey, Rosemary, Jamie, and Danny, We were so sad to hear the news of your husband/father’s passing. I will always remember him as a friendly, upbeat and outgoing neighbor and family friend to my parents and our family. We hope your wonderful memories will provide some comfort to you all during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rita, Dewey, Rosemary, Jamie and Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your father and will never forget his help in starting my career. I love you all and hope that the love of friends and family will get you through this difficult time.
My most sincere condolences to all.
Bob Ferguson (on behalf of my departed parents, Fergie and Bess)
My deepest sympathy to your entire family. So many fond memories. You all are in my prayers.
We are so sorry to learn of JJ’s passing. We, too, know how difficult it is to watch a loved one fail in health. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Rich Thomaselli and family
I loved, respected & admired JJ so very much. What a true treasure.
Dear Rita & The Entire JJ Guida Family, Dale & I express our deepest sympathy of JJ passing. We both believe that he is in Heaven waiting for each of you to join him into the eternal love of Our Father. May God Bless You and Hold You Tight in The Time Of Need.
Love, Patti & Dale Visyak
Rita,
So sorry for you loss. Jimmy was always one of the nicest person I knew. Wish I could be there with you thru this hard time. Take care.
My thoughts and prayers for the entire Guida Family. God Bless
Dewey, Karen and family,
At a time like this, my friend, I want to share the sorrow that you feel and let you know my caring is so very warm and real. So whatever help and comfort friendship now can be, It’s yours today with warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
Love, Nada Todd and family
Rita, Sandi and I send our thoughts and prayers. Ronnie and Sandi Briggs
My sincere condolences to the entire family of Mr. Guida. Denny Albaugh
Condolences to the Family – JJ a class act
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss of such a larger than life person. I never saw him without a smile on his face. To the children, you were blessed to have such a father. To his wife, life long marriages are a true testimony to true love and partnership. To the siblings, it is like having part of you cut away. I had this conversation with my father shortly before he passed. Like JJ, he was beloved by many. Like my father, he will leave you all a legacy for which you will be forever grateful. I was sorry I could not be their for all of you.
My deepest sympathies to the Guida family on their loss of their great loss. Nadine Abrams Reck, Pittsburgh, PA
Dewey V. Guida, I am so saddened to hear of your father’s passing away. Hearing you talk about your relationship with your dad, I can only try to imagine what that must have been like. Your dad sounds like the kind of dad every kid wishes they had. I know you know just how blessed you are to have been loved by a man that sounds so loving, fun-loving and wise. I know he will be–and already is–sorely missed. My deepest condolences go out to you, your family, and all whose lives were so deeply and positively touched by your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers. — Cindy Johnston, HER Realtors-Grove City, OH.
Dear Guida Family, I will always remember Mr. Guida from our high school sports years when he was the Weir High Booster president. He was always impeccably dressed and his jet black hair was never out of place. I met him again a few years ago when I did work with Baby Boomers and Beyond and he hadn’t changed a bit. Larger than life and full of charm and enthusiasm. He left quite a legacy and will surely be missed. My prayers, Maureen Garan Dumbaugh
Dan and Family:
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Eternal Rest grant to him, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. May he rest in Peace. Amen.
With deepest sympathy,
Pete & Erin Cuffaro
Wheeling, West Virginia
Rosemary:
We are all thinking of you during your time of loss.
Larry
Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. JJ was a true GENTLEMAN in life and in business. He will be sorely missed. May he Rest In Peace.