Clorinda Guarino

Clorinda Guarino, née Fioravanti, age 95, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025.

Born to Italian immigrant parents, the late Giulio and Bianca Fioravanti, Clorinda was raised with a deep appreciation for family, a love of learning, and a strong work ethic. She was the eldest of three children and was predeceased by her sister, Mary Buccafurni, and her infant brother, Anthony.

Clorinda attended Philadelphia Girls’ High School and later Temple University as an education student, where she met her future husband, the late Honorable Angelo A. Guarino. Their forty-two-year marriage was blessed with three sons: the late Michael J. Guarino, MD (Patricia), the late Julius M. Guarino, MD (Rosemary), and Carl A. Guarino, JD (Alice, deceased).

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Clorinda’s life. A daily Mass attendee and lector, she had a special devotion to St. Anthony. Her unwavering faith was never more evident than in the grace with which she endured profound loss — first her husband, and most especially the loss of two sons. She never questioned, only believed.

Her life revolved around her ten beloved grandchildren: Andrew (Mona), Robert (Irene), Angela (Colin), Jeffrey (Nicole), Paul (Stephanie), Christopher, Suzanne (Daniel), Eric (Anna), Karen (Gregory), and Juliana, as well as her twenty great-grandchildren. She knew every birthday by heart and followed each of their lives closely.

A gifted cook and baker, Clorinda found her greatest joy when her dining room table extended into the living room, overflowing with family. She baked countless trays of Italian cookies for weddings, lovingly crocheted blankets and sweaters for newborns, and made sure no birthday passed without her macaroni and cheese and chocolate chip cookies. Christmas Eve meant more than seven fishes, and Easter was never complete without her homemade meat and cheese pies.

Clorinda and Angelo raised their sons with the same work ethic and love of learning that guided their own lives. She took great pride in attending her grandchildren’s school events, graduations, and sacraments, delighting in what she affectionately called her many “sunshines.”

She also treasured time spent with dear friends, whether sharing elaborate home-cooked meals or enjoying coffee and dessert through book clubs.

After more than seventy years in her South Philadelphia family home, Clorinda embraced a new chapter in a retirement community, where she quickly became active — teaching Italian, enjoying concerts, and praying the rosary. Still, nothing surpassed the joy of a visit from family.

“G-Mom,” our family matriarch, will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, December 19, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, 17th and Morris Streets, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private for family only.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Morris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, or to a charity of your choice.