Joseph Guarino, of Wallingford, Connecticut died Friday, December 30, 2011 at Masonicare after a brief illness. Born in New Haven, Connecticut on December 25, 1911 to Maria Antonia Paduela and Ferdinand Guarino, Joseph was one of seven children.  He was predeceased by his former wife Jennie Dewey Guarino.He was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing Disney characters, American eagles, and Betty Boop. Joseph had a passion for roller skating and he taught roller dancing until he was 92 when he gave up his driver’s license.Joseph grew up in New Haven and attended Commercial High School.  He and his brothers worked for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.  It was there he learned the welding trade.  He continued to develop this trade while working with the Connecticut Company and Bridgeport Brass.He enlisted in the Army in February, 1942 and was assigned to Service Company 77 1^st Tank Battalion.  He was sent to serve in Europe, where he was assigned to serve under General George S. Patton, expertly welding and repairing tanks under the General’s command. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, earned Good Conduct/Victory Medals and MET Campaign/American Theater Campaign Ribbons.  Joseph served in Rhineland, Ardennes, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, and England.  He clearly and proudly stated “I served three years, nine months and twenty-one days.” He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1945. Joseph also served 12 years of National Guard Duty.Joseph continued his work as a welder 1^st class for more than 20 years for Olin Winchester and New Haven Testing Laboratory.  The following ten years he served as a State of Connecticut Building Inspector.He was a Freemason and member of Wooster Lodge #79, AF & AM in New Haven where he served as Master in 1976.  Joseph was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Anthony Guarino (Genevieve), Pasquale Guarino (Sandella), Mary Considine (James), Domenic Guarino (Victoria),  Rose Borzillo (Anthony) and Mary Munz  (Joseph).

He is survived by fourteen nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Joseph’s family and friends honored him on November 6, 2011 for his service as a veteran and an early 100^th birthday.  Joseph received special citations from Secretary of State Denise Merrill, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Senator Richard Blumenthal.

The family expresses gratitude to everyone on Ramage 4 of  Masonicare, Wallingford, CT for providing loving and compassionate care to Joseph.  His life at Masonicare was blessed with exceptional care and enduring friendships.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 on January 3, 2012 at Beaverdale Memorial Park in Hamden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Masonicare, 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford, CT  06492.