WILLIAM THOMAS GUARNIERI “Bill”, Loving Father of Michael, Nicola, Christopher (with former wife Rosemary Dolan Guarnieri); Rachael and Daniel (with former wife Therese Gallagher); Beloved Son of Frank and Maryrose Guarnieri (deceased) and Brother Joseph Gardner; passed peacefully at age 83 on April 30, 2022. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 2, 1938.
Bill, a prominent trial attorney in private practice for over 59 years, earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence and Baccalaureate in Business Administration from Ohio State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was an active member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and American Arbitration Association.
Many high-profile cases that he tried received film, television and newspaper media attention, eliciting many accomplished lawyers to introduce him as Bill Guarnieri, A Legend in His Own Time.
As a second generation Italian-American, he was a member of The Justinian Forum, an organization comprised of attorneys and judges of Italian descent living and practicing primarily in Northeast Ohio; and The Italian-American War Veterans; and other Italian cultural organizations. He was a patron of the arts and enjoyed classical music and opera. He held memberships at The Cleveland Museum of Art and The Cleveland Symphony at Severance Hall.
A dynamic community leader, Bill served on Brecksville City Council for 10 years and was active in Brecksville Kiwanis Club. He was honorably discharged after six years of service in the United States Army Reserves. Bill was a longtime lector at St. Basil The Great Catholic Church.
His passion was flying. He was an avid pilot and maintained his private pilot’s license for over 20 years.
Bill is cherished by his children, family and friends, who he always encouraged to pursue their passions and enjoy life to the fullest (flying, camping, shooting, bicycling, skiing, motorcycle riding, attending events, and celebrating life). He inspired and always embraced adventure.
Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 FROM 2-4 AND 6-8 P.M. Funeral Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. at St. Basil the Great Catholic Church. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
