Dominick "Nick" Joseph Guercio

1 Peter 5:10 “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” And this, so God did. Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn the passing of our beloved husband, son, father, and grandfather, Dominick Joseph “Nick” Guercio. A native and resident of White Castle, Nick was born August 5, 1944 and was taken by Christ on Friday, December 29, 2017 in the arms of his bride of 51 years at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center – Bluebonnet. Nick’s survivors include his wife (his “Charma”) and best friend, Charmelle Ishmael Guercio; mother, Virgina Amedio Guercio; son and significant other, John Joseph Guercio and Angie; daughters and sons-in-law, Jill Guercio Holton and Cloyd “Cowboy”; Janet Guercio Binning and Matthew; five grandchildren, Nicole Elizabeth Stevens, Preston Michael Stevens, Joel “Brett” Hebert, II, Lennox Wayne Binning, and Sullivan Matthew Binning; and four granddogs he absolutely adored, Lil’ Man, Maggie, BoBo, and Tank. He was an only child, but he is leaving behind a large family of inherited siblings through the Ishmael family whom will miss him greatly: one sister-in-law, Annelle (Nell) Ishmael Rives; and five (5) brothers-in-law, Bill (Billy Boo), Tim, David, Patrick, and Mark, and numerous nieces and nephews. Many Guercio and Amedio cousins, near and afar, will cherish his memory, as well. Preceding him in passing are his father, Dominick Raymond Guercio; mother- and father-in-law, Evelyn and Calvin “Lucky” Ishmael; three (3) brothers-in-law, Calvin and Frank Ishmael, and Ruel “Bucky” Rives; and two dogs he loved immensely, Sergeant and Pepper Jane Guercio. A young Nick’s academic endeavors included graduating from White Castle High School, attending Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, and acquiring a business degree in accounting from Spencer College in Baton Rouge. He also joined the Army National Guard, where he served for seven (7) years. Concurrent to his academic and military pursuits, a happenstance ‘first job’ at Thompson Machinery (later known as Cane Equipment Coop) in Plaquemine would ignite a life-long career, resulting in a position of Manager and CEO. As an entrepreneur for over two decades, he also became the sole-proprietor of Guercio Tire & Son, following the passing of his father. He was known as “Big Nick” and “Tractor Boss” to the farming community, friends, and national clients whom he served, later retiring in 2014 after almost 50 years of service to Cane Equipment and his community. Post-retirement brought him the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of people at Sunshine Equipment in Donaldsonville, a venture he embarked upon for merely a short period of time, but loved it, nonetheless. He was an active member of the Catholic Church with a devotion to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother. He was an avid sports fan, particularly football and basketball, loved his large flat-screen television, and took pride in visiting and calling his children and grandchildren on a frequent basis. Nick was a man of great character, humility, love, compassion, and integrity. He found the best in others and many lives have breathed easier because he lived. He enjoyed his few years of retirement, despite a failing health after enduring a battle with a chemo-effect lengthy illness. Arrangements are as follows: Visitation at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in White Castle, Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 9:00 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, celebrated by Father Paul Yi. Funeral procession to Nick’s final resting place at the White Castle Cemetery will follow. Serving as pall bearers will be John Guercio, Preston Stevens, Brett Hebert, Matthew Binning, Patrick Ishmael, and David Ishmael, II. Honorary pall bearers are his son-in-law, Cloyd “Cowboy” Holton, his brother in-law Mark Ishmael, and close friend Barry Raffray. We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Scott Wharton and Dr. Joel Silverberg of Baton Rouge Clinic, and all of the professional and knowledgeable physicians and staff members at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center during the course of his battle, and during his final days and hours. Moreover, we are especially grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from friends and loved ones, near and afar.