Dr. John F Guzzetta's Obituary
Dr. John F. Guzzetta, 96, passed away on November 5th in Cape Coral, FL.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Frances Ann Chapman, his brother Charles Guzzetta, sister, Hope, Parents, Jenny (Weber) and Chrales Guzzetta.
He was born January 31, 1928, in Dansville, NY. He graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1946 and entered the Army shortly after, serving proudly during the aftermath of WWII. He got his bachelor’s in education from Buffalo State University, master’s degree from University of NY at Cortland and his PhD from the University of Buffalo & attended Cornell law school. John taught many grades throughout his career and spent his final years as a college professor – first at the University of Akron (Ohio) and then as a Supervisor of Teaching Interns at Florida Gulf Coast University, retiring three months after his 90th birthday!
He received numerous letters from students he taught. Here are just two examples. One letter dating back to a student he taught in the 1970’s and, he received her letter in 2021, letting him know that he changed her life, not just in teaching, but in all aspects of her life and went on to get her PHD and saying, in the 70’s “who would’ve thought that a chatty young black girl could go on to earn her PHD”! This student went to become a member at large of the Ohio Educational Association and became Vice President of the Ohio Education Association, Southwest chapter, and has dedicated her life to teaching and helping others. She said that she owes it all to John! Another student said John “was a great friend and mentor when I first started teaching. He gave me great advice about how to deal with the problems I had with my first husband. Also, his advice helped me to learn how to deal with my students in a way that made them feel like worthwhile individuals rather than be known only due to their disabilities. you will always be remembered”. He always wanted to help people, not just in teaching but in life. He truly cared and was always there for them.
John was an avid sailor beginning in his early 30’s and owned many sailing vessels throughout his life. He was a great sailor, and extremely competitive, taking home many trophies from a variety of races. He was an active member of CMCS and Cape Coral Sailing Clubs, for many years, once winning the 38th annual CMCS Summerset Regatta non-spinnaker in 2003, which was his favorite win! He spent several years teaching others to sail and It was so great witnessing his skills being taught to future sailors and even a few current ones who wanted to sharpen their skills and wanted the best teacher, Captain John, captain of the WAWA, to do so. John always felt most at peace on the water and loved to go on long cruises and to sleep to the gentle waves hitting the boat and the slow rocking at anchor.
He is survived by his brother Arthur (Diana) Guzzetta, daughters Michelle (Joseph) Pescatrice and Connie (Tim) Hornbeck, sons Michael (Debra) Guzzetta), James Hoyt and Christopher Hoyt, grandchildren Cristina (John) Mrozek, Prentiss (Jennifer) Guzzetta & great grandchildren Maxwell and Marek Mrozek.
John was a deeply beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. While we lost our loving dad, many have lost a friend and loved one. He has been a rock to many (especially the many students whose lives he touched) and most of all, his family. He was an incredible dad, friend & teacher and touched many lives in a positive manner throughout his 96 years.
We like to believe that he is now sailing in the race of his life with the best crew ever – and of course he is winning
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
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