WILDER, VT - Raffaele Guarino, 96, passed away at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill, NH, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Raffaele "Ralph" was born on August 23, 1928, in White River Junction, VT, to Pasquale and Florence Guarino. Ralph graduated from Hartford High School, class of 1947, where he was known for his flashy ties and his giggle. Ralph married Sandra Carusi on September 1, 1962 in White River Junction and raised four children. They were married for almost 50 years until Sandy's passing in 2012. Ralph started working at age 8 in the family grocery store, (Guarino's Market) stocking shelves, and eventually delivering groceries throughout the Upper Valley. He could still name the various family homes of many of his customers even 70 years later! He served in the US Army from 1950-1952, quickly identified in basic training to work in the stock room. Upon his deployment to Korea, he worked as the supply sergeant. After arriving back in WRJ on Amtrak from the military, Ralph walked home, ate a favorite Italian lunch and then promptly went back to work in the family grocery store. He remained very proud of his military duty, serving as Quartermaster for the VFW Wood Guarino Memorial Post 9552 for over 50 years and was seldom seen without his Korean War Veteran hat.

He opened Ralph's Variety Store on Main Street in West Lebanon, NH, living upstairs above the store with his young family. Upon the arrival of the big box stores in the Upper Valley, Ralph closed the store, renting out the former space to Frames, Etc. and converted the upstairs to rental apartments. Other jobs included the Wilder IGA, Twin State Fruit Distribution and Warehouse, Interstate Tire, and Western Auto. Ralph also worked for several years at Main St. Furniture in White River Junction, initially alongside his wife, before finally retiring at age 85. Ralph (also known as "Taffy" or "Biggie") rarely sat still, often spending evenings and weekends working in his vegetable garden, manning the grill at the weekly Sunday family cookouts and a myriad of other indoor and outdoor chores.

Raffaele was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Sandra, his sister Vincenza, his infant brother Vincenzo, his son Peter, and many aunts and uncles whom he loved, respected, and cared for throughout the years. He will be dearly missed by his beloved daughter, Clorinda and her husband Joe Nothstein and grandchildren, Dean Nothstein and Vincenza Nothstein who all cherished their many visits and conversations! He is also survived by two sons, Raffaele Guarino and husband, Rob Grimaldi and Armand Guarino and wife, Rahel; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Friends and family may visit Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10-11am at Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction followed immediately at 11 by a funeral at the funeral home. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in the family plot alongside his wife. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grafton County Nursing Home Activities Department, 3855 Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill, NH 03744.

To leave a memory or message of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhome.com