Obituary of Thomas L. Guidera

    Thomas L. Guidera, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, while his beloved daughter was holding his hand, at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.

     He was born in Utica on July 16, 1946, the son of the late George and Letha Massago Guidera. Tom graduated from UFA, Class of 1964. Tom went on to serve his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. On June 21, 1975, He married Rena L. Ward. Their loving union lasted 40 years until Rena’s passing in 2015. Tom had worked for the Utica City School District, as a custodian for over 20 years. He retired from the district in 2014. His family was the center of Tom’s life. Following Rena’s passing, Tom devoted the majority of time to his daughter and two grandsons. He enjoyed taking day trips with his daughter and grandsons. He never missed his grandson’s football games. He was even known to make pro football bets with his grandsons. He loved anytime that he could be at his daughter’s home, no matter the occasion. Tom would always make the holidays special for his family. He enjoyed bringing food to his daughter’s dogs. When his daughter was working at McDonald’s, Tom would use the drive-thru, just to say hello, and make sure all was okay. No matter what time of day or night, Tom would always be there if his family was in need. Tom was an expert bowler, and loved his Vista Lanes Bowling Team. Most of all he leaves behind a legacy of a devoted husband, dad, and granddad. Many hearts are broken with his sudden passing.

     Tom is survived by his beloved daughter Renee Jaynes of Utica; and his two cherished grandsons Joseph “Joey” Jaynes and Mykel Jaynes; his sisters Christine (Al) Sike and Josie (Justin) Latus; his brother Richie (Marilyn) Guidera; a sister-in-law Anne Guidera; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     He was predeceased by his wife and soulmate Rena, his parents George and Letha, and his brother George Guidera.

     There will be a visitation for Tom on Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Heintz Funeral Service., Inc., 408 Herkimer Road, Utica, NY, from 4-6 PM. His funeral will start at 9 AM, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10 AM at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker Street, Utica,   NY.  Entombment with Military Honors will follow at Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Yorkville.