Obituary of Vincent Guarino

Vincent G. "Jim" Guarino, 93, of Middletown passed away peacefully on October 13, 2011. He was born in Middletown on June 6, 1918 to the late Gerald and Amelia (Grillo) Guarino. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years Bernice (Binkowski) Guarino, his son Atty. James V. Guarino, and his daughter Pamela A. Guarino. In his early years, Jim proudly served his country in the Pacific during World War II where he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the 169th B. Co. Meds and the 43rd Infantry Division and affectionately earned the title of "Sarge." Following his honorable discharge, Jim was a railroad conductor then began his career as a restaurateur first co-owning Gus Kearns where he was famous for his steak and lobster Friday night specials. He then later opened his own restaurant "Ye Coach and Four" where he took extreme pride in welcoming politicians including governors, Middletown teachers and police officers, Wesleyan professors, and his family and friends for good food and lively conversations. Jim was a lifelong communicant at St. Francis of Assisi Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In the last five years, he thoroughly enjoyed residing at the Stonegate Apartments where he entertained his neighbors with stories of Middletown and earlier days. The kindness and caring of his friends at Stonegate will never be forgotten. Jim is survived by his granddaughter Catherine Farrell Guarino in whom he took great delight, his daughter-in-law Patricia C. Farrell and her husband Peter M. Sipples, his niece Christine Salamone, his sister-in-law Regina Casserino, and his son Thomas B. Guarino. He was predeceased by his five brothers and sisters and is survived by several nieces and nephews and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. We will forever remember the twinkle in Jim's eye and his mischievous grin. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 1 P.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Middletown. Burial will follow in St. Sebastian's Cemetery, Middlefield. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain.