He was born in Buffalo, NY, and when he was one-month old, his family brought him to San Diego via a week-long train ride. The rest of his life was lived here, where he attended Hoover High School and SDSU.
After 30 years running Guarnotta Plastering Co. with his father, he worked many more years for SD Union-Tribune and Point Loma Credit Union. After retirement, Tom volunteered as a docent at SD Automotive Museum for 10 happy years, where he was known for his story-telling.
After his family, he loved jazz and big-band music, and travelling. He climbed through Machu Picchu, rode elephants in India, and chased rhinos in Kenya.
Tom is survived by Louise (Patella), his wife of 54 years, daughter Karen Guarnotta (Chuck Johnson), son James Guarnotta (Maria) and two grandchildren - Nicholas and Mariela.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the GUARNOTTA family.