Francis Guarnieri
Francis (Frank) Guarnieri, was born in Perth Amboy, NJ on September 24, 1939. Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Evelyn Guarnieri and his beloved sister Eileen Guarnieri. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; sons Bryon Guarnieri and Robb Funderburk; daughter Shelly and Bill Denning; Grandson Connor and Kayla Eller; great granddaughter Lainey and great grandson Brooks Eller.
He was a devoted and loving husband for 40 beautiful years to his wife, Elaine. Together, they built a life centered around family, kindness, and enduring affection.
Like so many of the young people of his era Frank grew up in his parents’ basement playing drums in his boy band, making model airplanes, drawing and carving small items. After graduation from Villanova and his time in the US Air Force, Frank landed in Pennsylvania working in corporate chemical sales. While in Pennsylvania, he took advantage of the opportunity to study carving and Victorian furniture making under several master craftsmen in Philadelphia. As his skills grew, he joined the Society for American Period Furniture Makers and attended classes in Lancaster, PA. Frank proudly earned his Certificates as a Master Carver.
In 1988 Frank moved to North Carolina. Shortly after his move, he retired and pursued his passion for fine woodworking as a full-time occupation. Through a local designer, he was asked to make some small side tables for a local restaurateur and then a bar for the backroom of the intimate restaurant. This led to a multiple year agreement with a local businessman who had homes in Raleigh, Pinehurst and Lake Placid, NY. Frank crafted a beautiful Chippendale Highboy, an 18th Century New England Highboy, several Chippendale Lowboys, and a 10-ft dining table with a matching Lake Placid design backboard. One of his favorite pieces was an L-shaped bar in the Lake Placid home with beautifully colored inlaid pictures from around the lake. He designed and built multiple fireplace mantels with detailed designs such as linen folds and specific carvings. In 2015, Frank began having severe back issues. In 2019, he was diagnosed with Dementia. Very sadly, he was unable to continue doing what was a hobby and then became the joy of his life.
His smile, gentle presence, sweet nature, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by his family and his friends who were blessed to know and love him and we take deep comfort knowing that he will be joining those who have gone before him.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. https://transitionslifecare.org. A qualified 501©3 charitable organization.