- Date Of Birth: December 12, 1921
- Date Of Death: October 28, 2016
- State: Florida
Peter “Pete” Guarisco, 94, of Montgomery, AL, died peacefully on October 28, 2016, surrounded by family. He was born December 12, 1921, in Tampa, FL to Sebastiano and Rosario (Messina) Guarisco, both Sicilian immigrants to historic Ybor City, Hillsborough County, FL. He was a resident of Tallahassee, FL for 55 years. Mr. Guarisco was a member of the “Greatest Generation” with service in the US Army in the Pacific Theater during WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart.
He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in economics and his law degree from the University of Miami. An attorney, lobbyist, and the Executive Director of the Florida Land Title Association for many years, he received a 50-year award for membership in the Florida Bar Association. Mr. Guarisco was always generous to perform pro bono legal work for those in need and did not retire until he was 85 years old. He served on the Leon County School Board during a tumultuous time of teachers strike in the 1960s. He was a past Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis International; a Freemason (Jackson Lodge #1 F. & A.M.) and Shriner for 58 years. Proud of his Italian heritage, he enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of members of the Tallahassee Italian Club. He raised prize-winning camellias and served as a past president of the local camellia society. Mr. Guarisco was also a connoisseur of good food and a master chef; he enjoyed cooking and hosting dinner parties for family, church friends and others. He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout parts of Europe, Asia, South America and Canada.
Mr. Guarisco remained strong in his Christian faith and was a consistent member of East Hill Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he served as both deacon and men’s Sunday School teacher. He was a loving husband and father, and took delight in his two grandsons.
Mr. Guarisco is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Norma Viera Guarisco; two daughters, Sylvia Alford (Randy) and Kathryn Josey, two grandsons, Pace Alford and Michael Josey; a sister, Mary Guarisco Vilchez; and a number of nephews and nieces.
