Rudy Guarino

Rudy Guarino, 91, beloved Father, was called to his eternal resting place on April 18, 2020. He entered this world on January 23, 1929 in Boston's North End, born to the late Gaetano and Assunta (Falcone) Guarino.

Rudy was born during the mob influenced Boston era to immigrant parents from a tiny town outside of Naples, Italy.  At the tender age of 6 he awoke one morning to find that the crippling disease of polio, which leaves only 1% of people who contract it with partial paralysis had been introduced as his new lifestyle. The left side of his body was severely effected and partially paralyzed.  However, that didn’t hold him back as he used it as a fuel not a crutch, and knew he needed to work hard, especially in the rough streets of Boston which were over run with the mob. While feuding with rival families and the Irish neighborhoods he wanted to be a business man not a gangster, so he hustled and got in good with people who had some influence and made money.  At that point he never looked back.

Boniface Rudy has been in the entertainment business since the 1950’s. He is an avid businessman with a keen eye and lover of soul music. He knows all the ins and outs and became a pioneer and night club innovator.  To the Sugar shack in Boston and The Swinger  in Miami.  He brought the Soul Music to Boston through his legendary Sugar Shack Night club and is listed as an Icon and legend of Boston.

All of the artists who graced the Sugar Shack and Swinger stage mentioned Rudy as a  mentor and “father” due to his selfless generosity, care and love that he extended to everyone from Jackie Wilson, Teddy Pendergrass, David Ruffin, The 4 Tops,  James Brown, George Clintion, Stevie Wonder, The Ojays, New birth, Tavares, Frankie Valli, Betty Wright, Ray Charles and Many many more.

Rudy eventually met the Beautiful Aurelia in Miami at his Swinger club. They Wed in 1980 and gave birth to 3 amazing children;  Rudy Jr, and (twins)Andrew, and Susanna.
Rudy, and the family ventured off to Las Vegas where he was booking shows at the Sahara and also booked many great acts like The Platters, and Dion and the Belmont’s on The NCL cruise line. He soon retired after that and enjoyed life in Las Vegas as a senior while still keeping in contact with various artists till this day.
However, his best occupation was being a father. He loved and adored his family and children despite being handicapped he did what he could to care for us. Rudy had his stubborn moments but he was always the voice of reason for the family. There was never a dull moment in the Italian Guarino household. Rudy was positive,  outgoing,  caring, kind and extremely generous. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Rudy enjoyed playing slots at Arizona Charlie’s and Palace station and meeting up with out of town family and friends. He was overjoyed when he finally became a Nonno (grandpa) in 2012.
He left this Earth with 4 beautiful grandchildren,  who made him smile everyday. We will always remember his infectious smile, laugh, kindness and most of all his love for the family.
We love you so much....Until we meet again, May the sweet sounds of Heaven be graced with your soulful presence.

He is survived by his son Rodolfo Guarino Jr., son Andrew Guarino; daughter Susanna (Richter) Guarino; ex-wife Aurelia Bertucci and ex-mother-in-law Dora Bertucci. He was also survived by many grandchildren, spouses of his children and nieces and cousins from Boston, Pennsylvania all the way to California. He was adored and loved by many. He was the brother of the late Eva Leiva, Hugo “sticka “ Guarino, and Florence Wentz. He is now reunited with his siblings and parents in eternal paradise. Fly high above the clouds father as you’re now an Angel.