Robert Francis Guinan, age 97, passed away May 7th, 2023. Robert was born on July 5th, 1925 in Chelsea to Leo and Isabel (Liedel) Guinan. He married his loving wife, Mary Claire (Nadon) Guinan, on May 17th, 1958.
He is survived by his wife and five daughters: Roberta (Dennis) Kulpa, Marie (Robert) Tisdale, Christine (David) Schutz, Donna (Steve) Henry, and Peggy (Clint) Owens; his eleven grandchildren: Steven, Michael, Matthew, Ryan, Ashley, Kelsie, Taylor, Jakob, Austin, Kaylie, and Alex. He is survived by his sister, Jane Beusterien. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon, his parents, Leo and Isabel, his brother, Kenneth, and his sister, Florence.
He served in the Navy in World War II, aboard the S.S. Minneapolis as an anti-aircraft gunner. He received several distinguished service awards including: Asiatic-Pacific Medal with seven stars, American Area Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, and a Victory Medal.
Faith and family were instrumental in his life. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea where he was active in Prison Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, and one-time Grand Knight. He received a ministry appreciation award from St. Mary’s in 2006. He was also a member of the Fransican Third-Order. He worked as a typewriter repairman and has been retired for thirty years. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, praying with others, and attending daily masses after retirement. He loved his wife and six girls dearly and was so very proud of all his kids’ accomplishments. He will be remembered for his gentle demeanor and caring personality, as well as his fun trick for over 80 years of standing on his head. His famous saying, “God Bless You,” will always have a special place in our hearts. May God forever bless him. He truly will be missed by all that knew him.
There will be a viewing at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral home on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with the Rosary taking place at 7:30 p.m.
The instate will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 10-11 a.m., with the celebration of life starting at 11:00 a.m. The burial will take place immediately afterwards at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Order or St. Louis Center.
