GLOUCESTER: Nicholas P. Guarrasi, 87, formerly of Ellery Street, died Monday, December 26, 2011 in the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Joan C. (Low) Guarrasi.
Born in Favignana, Italy on September 9, 1924, he was the son of the late Antonio and Anna (Mineo) Guarrasi. Having immigrated to the United States at the age of thirteen, he had first resided in Trenton, New Jersey and then moved to Gloucester to reside with his cousin, John Mercurio, and his family on Church Street. He attended Gloucester public schools and was the recipient of the Sawyer Medal Award.
A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Nick served aboard the USS Gillespie, which participated in many battles in the Pacific, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Nick was awarded seven bronze stars for acts of bravery and merit; and the ship earned nine battle stars for being attacked by two Japanese Kamikazes. He was honorably discharged at the rank of radioman second class in January of 1946.
Nick was the owner and operator of the former Atlantic Gas Station on Railroad Avenue for twenty years. He also worked as the foreman at Gloucester Engineering for many years. Nick was a former president of the C.A. Amateur Ham Radio Operators, a longtime member of the WWII Memorial Committee and the First Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Carol Parisi, Rosemarie Guarrasi and Anthony, husband of Janet Guarrasi; five grandchildren, Nikki Parisi, Anthony Parisi, fiancé of René Carraba, Peter Parisi, Joanna, wife of Mario Brancaleone and Christina Lewis; three great-grandchildren; and many dear friends. He was also predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Joseph Bertolino and his brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Rose Guarrasi.
His services will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Monday evening from 5 - 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the Dolliver Memorial Cemetery.