Louis Guarraci

January 10, 1934 - April 18, 2019

Louis was the 3rd youngest, and last surviving of 16 (yes, sixteen) siblings. The son of Sicilian immigrants, he grew up on the lower east side of Manhattan during the Depression and World War 2. In such an environment, he became a strong, some would say, a hard man. He carried this determination with him throughout his life. This allowed him to survive this harsh upbringing, including the passing of 15 brothers and sisters, his parents, his wife, and a son. He also was quick to help during a crisis. A call at any hour would have him rushing to help. Whether it was in New York or Florida, he would say, "We gotta go," and jump in the car. He also loved the casino, where, of course, he "never lost" because he had a "system". And for those of us who had the good fortune to witness it, he and his beloved wife Toni would glide across the dance floor, smiling ear to ear. His tenacity kept him going until the end. His stubborn refusal to let death take him embodied the determination he learned as a child. We will miss his wit and love of debate around the dinner table.