Giuseppe J. Guardino

Giuseppe J. (Joseph) Guardino, a 40-year resident of Warwick and a retired custodian at Warwick’s Park Avenue Elementary School, died Feb. 6, 2013, after a lengthy illness. He was 87.

He was born on March 5, 1925, in Staten Island to Giuseppe and Giovanna Abruzzo Guardino. After attending schools in Brooklyn, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Known as “Haja” to many of his family and friends, Joey is survived by two sisters: Lillian Blaikner of Goshen and Anna Marsan of Lake Worth, Fla., and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Alfonso Guardino, and three sisters, Mary Blaikner, Caterina Reynolds and Angela Torregrossa.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 14, beginning at 3 p.m. at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 690 County Route 1 in Pine Island.

Chapel prayers will take place March 15 at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale on Long Island.

Donations can be made to the Warwick Community Ambulance, PO Box 315, Warwick, NY 10990.

Arrangements are under the direction of T.S. Purta Funeral Home. For directions or to send an online condolence, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.