Joseph A. Guarente

Joseph A. Guarente, 90, of Danvers, MA and Delray Beach, FL passed away peacefully on May 9, 2023, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. All of us who were blessed enough to know Joe were affected by his generous heart, kind spirit and compassionate presence. His fashion sense was unbeatable and always on-point with a truly unique style punctuated by Converse sneakers. Joe grew up in Revere where he developed his passion for education and music, which continued for a lifetime. After serving in the Korean War, he graduated from Berklee College of Music and became a professional musician with the Bell-Tone Trio. He lived larger than life and became a staple of the most popular dinner and dancing clubs in Boston for decades. He graduated from Salem State University with his Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in education. Joe continued his life as a full-time educator, ending his career as Vice-Principal of Peabody High School. In retirement, he enjoyed boating and traveling with his late wife of 34 years, Mary Guarente. Joe’s simple pleasures in life were bringing people together through birthday bashes, movie nights, and memorable rides to Barnacle Billy’s, while listening to great music. Joe was charming and made immediate friends out of strangers and fans out of any audience. Yet he had many long-time, life-long, immensely loyal friends. A selfless man, Joe and his wife Joan always prioritized time and space for family and friends, especially those of Bill W. Their motto was “the joy is in the journey, not the destination”. Joe is survived by his wife Joan, her children Meghan, Amanda, and Hannah Wilkins, his three children in Florida, Lauren Ingram, Julie Hammond and her husband Scott, and Scott Rae Buono and his wife Martha. Joe is also survived by his niece Jill Degnan and nephew Jack Degnan of San Diego, 8 grandchildren, Brittany and her husband Nick Burns, Brooke and Bryce Ingram, Jessica and her husband Chad Miller, Scott Buono and his wife Lindsay, Taylor Buono, Shea Lynn and her husband Taylor Tegreeny, Jordan Hammond, and 12 great-grandchildren. Joe was pre-deceased by his parents Amos Guarente and Elizabeth Cataldo, sister Vicky Stokes, and stepson Sammy Roberto. Joe always showed incredible kindheartedness to all, it’s like he never met a stranger. His kindness will live on through the many lives he has touched over the years and his gratitude to the friends of Bill W. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. All other services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers we request donations in Joe’s memory to The Crossroads Club of Delray Beach, FL (https://thecrossroadsclub.com/donate-now/) or The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell, MA (https://www.bridgeclubofgreaterlowell.org/donate.html). Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com