Thomas "Tom" Guidera, Jr.

Canastota/Utica, New York-In the loving Hands of God, Mr. Thomas “Tom” Guidera, Jr. age 68, of Snell Road, (town of Lenox), Canastota, NY, began his journey in spirit on Saturday, November 26, 2022, with his loving family by his side. Tom had been battling the rare Amyloidosis Disease and Multiple Myeloma.  He was surrounded with love and support from his cherished and adored daughters, Gina and Kristin along with the support of his longtime companion, Susan Gordon. His companion, as he called “Suz”, was his rock in these hard times and along with his daughters carried him through to the end.

He was born in June 1954, in Utica, son of the late Thomas Guidera, Sr.  He was raised, educated and a lifelong resident in the city of East Utica.  He was employed for many years in the field of outside sales, many of those spent with his friends at Hummel’s Office Plus, whom he considered family. He married the former Eileen Holleran in 1976 and from this union his 2 treasured daughters were born. 

Tom was a well-known and gifted musician who mastered the bass guitar. He was so proud of his large collection of them.  Music was a deep-rooted passion in his life; a passion which began with his love of many bands. His passion would eventually evolve into the formation of his favorite band, Hi-Roller, which was well known throughout central New York playing many different clubs throughout the area. He most recently loved playing with his friends with the Curtiss Road Band.

Tom had an extraordinary sense of humor and always delivered a smile. He truly loved to be with people and making them laugh. He could fix anything, a talent he acquired from his Dad. Tom loved sharing in the many beautiful traditions of his faith and Italian heritage.   Above all else, Tom loved his daughters and family deeply, and his heart would eventually expand to hold the love of each and every one of his grandchildren.  As a Dad, he was a protective mentor always taking part in every part of the lives of his girls and their families.  The blessings of his grandchildren blessed his heart. Those who knew Tom were blessed with his love, honesty and spirit. He was known for his countless exemplary qualities.  As a friend, Tom was kind, generous, and had a humorous side, which brought lots of memorable laughter.  Tom loved life and lived it well.  He will be sadly missed and forever remembered by all those who were blessed to have known him. 

Survivors include his longtime companion, Susan M. Gordon; loving and devoted daughters, Gina (Guidera) Dier of New Hartford, Kristin (Guidera) Palmieri and husband Robbie of New Hartford. His cherished grandchildren include Alessandra (Allie) and Brayden Dier, Sara, Robbie and Vivianne (Vivi) Palmieri, all whom loved and adored their “Papa.” His close and devoted siblings include, Gary (Rosanne) Guidera, Dona (James) Shaw, Nancy Sportello, Joseph (Ann) Guidera, Joanne (Francis) Suppa, and George Guidera. Tom also leaves many loved nieces and nephews, and cousins. He lived his life with many close friendships, including those with his special bandmates Doug, Mike, Mark and Vinny.

The family would like to offer their gratitude to Dr. Najam Din and Dr. Fred Talarico for their care as well as the wonderful compassion and care received through both Hospice & Palliative Care and The Abraham House in Utica, who made Tom’s last days peaceful and comfortable.

Funeral arrangements were requested by Tom to be entrusted to his nephew, Daniel J. Enea (Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, State Route 5, Little Falls) with a special thought to Dan’s grandfather and Tom’s former father-in-law, Edward Holleran. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Tom’s Mass of Christian Burial commencing at 12noon on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022 from Mary, Mother of our Savior Church (formerly Our Lady of Lourdes), 2222 Genesee St., Utica with the Rev. Joseph A. Salerno, pastor, officiating.  Visitation will take place on Wednesday, prior to the service from 10 AM-12noon, in the church.  Final interment will take place at the convenience of the family, in St. Agnes Cemetery, Utica. Please kindly consider and send memorial contributions or donations to Hospice & Palliative Care and The Abraham House.