Victor "Vic" Guarisco

Victor "Vic" Guarisco brought smiles and laughter everywhere he went. His outgoing nature and honesty won him many friends and earned him the respect of those he met. He was devoted to his family, and always encouraged loyalty, sacrifice, and truthfulness among his loved ones.

Despite rumors of impending war in Europe and the news of the sinking of the "unsinkable" RMS Titanic, Antonio and Virginia (Valenti) Guarisco had reason to be optimistic as they looked forward to the birth of their second child. They were rewarded on July 31, 1912, with a son, Victor. Three more children would join their family over time. Victor's father supported them by working in a foundry and his mother managed the home. Victor spent his toddler years in his parents' home in Sicily, Italy, but soon his parents made a brave decision. They would leave the only home they had ever known to find a safe, prosperous place to raise their family.

The Guarisco's decision was spurred on by Antonio's participation in the First World War. Devastation and fear was spreading across the continent and Victor's father chose the United States as their destination. Antonio went first to make preparations, then sent for the family and was joyously reunited with them in New York. They knew of some families that had moved to Michigan, so they went there, as well, staying in Coldwater for a short time before settling on East Walnut Street in Kalamazoo. Victor's Uncle Otto lived just down the street from them and ran Guarisco Groceries nearby.

Victor learned how to work hard as a young boy, taking jobs on nearby farms during the summer. He attended Roosevelt School until he finished the ninth grade, and then, like many of his peers, left school to find work and help support the family. He boxed a little and played softball, then was fortunate to find a job at Eckrich that he was able to keep throughout the entire Great Depression.

Vic fell head over heels for a lovely lady named Lillian. They dated for a time and then exchanged vows with Fr. Grace on July 14, 1934, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The traditional Italian ceremony was capped off by a three-day reception! The newlyweds started a family right away, having their first child the year after they were married. They bought a home on East Walnut across the street from Vic's parents where they raised their five precious children. When their youngest, Lilly, was about thirteen years old, they moved to a brand new home on H avenue. Vic was thrilled to be able to fish to his heart's content.

Vic continued to work at Eckrich and eventually earned the position of plant superintendent. He was well liked at the company, and his co-workers appreciated his initiative in getting chairs and music for the employees on the line. He was a dedicated employee for forty-five years.

Vic retired when he was sixty-two and he and Lillian traveled to visit family, vacationing in New York, Florida, and even Hawaii two or three times. One particularly memorable trip was a trek across the U.S., taking in the widely varied landscape of the plains, the mountains, the deserts, and the majestic beauty of Grand Canyon. Vic took an annual fishing trip to Canada every year, and sometimes Lillian joined him. It really didn't matter where they went; they just loved being together.

Vic had several hobbies that he was able to enjoy more often after retirement. He hunted small game and loved to sharpen his knifes. He liked to dance, especially polka, and belonged to a dance club. He enjoyed playing cards with the family. Beyond any of that, however, he was most famous for his homemade Italian sausage. He had been known to make up to 300 pounds at once! Vic always added fun and laughter to their family's big, Italian holiday gatherings. They incorporated several traditions that developed a strong sense of belonging and security. Vic had taken over 1000 slides of family photos, and always brought them out after their elaborate dinners.

In 1999, Vic endured the tragic loss of his beloved Lillian after sixty-five years of marriage. He was devastated, but took comfort in his family, eventually finding joy again in the smile of a great grandchild or the kind word of a loved one. Sadly, he lost a son, Tony, the following year from heart problems. He was heartbroken, but again found ways to appreciate the time he had been given and to appreciate the beauty of simple moments. When Vic learned he had health problems, he faced it with his chin up and battled for three years. His grandson Ken moved in with him to help out, and they enjoyed many hours of fishing and laughing. It was never quite clear who was looking after whom. Vic leaves his family with countless sweet memories and the example of a man who worked hard, put his family first, and held onto his faith through the hardest of times.

Victor died on Monday, May 1, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, son, Tony, and great grandson Dylan. Members of Victor's family include his children, Neno (Val) Guarisco of Portage; Ginny (Ken) Kruizenga of Kalamazoo; Lou Stanfield of Richland, Lilly (Terry) Amos of Vicksburg, one daughter-in-law Chris Guarisco of Kalamazoo; fifteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Victor, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Thursday, May 4, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home where services will take place Friday, May 5, at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Victor's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Hospice of Southwest Michigan or Baby Dylan's Fund c/o 5/3 Bank.