Beverly Ann Guarascio

Beverly Ann (O’Neil) Guarascio, age 87, of Naples, FL, formerly of White Oak and McKeesport, PA, died Friday, November 25, 2022 in Naples, FL, after a short illness and surrounded by family. She was born in McKeesport on December 25, 1934 and is the daughter of the late Edward and Helen Wheatman O’Neil and the beloved wife of the late Richard Guarascio and devoted, loving mother of the late Bruce Michael Guarascio.

She is survived by her children, Edward (Susan) Guarascio of North Huntingdon; Daniel (Marie) Guarascio of Center Township; Julia Guarascio of Naples, FL; and Teresa (Thomas) Sowerby of State College, PA/Naples, FL. Beverly is also survived by six adoring grandchildren, Bridget (Craig) Johnson; Kaitlin (Jason) Cooke; Tierney Guarascio; and Michael, Danielle, and Anthony Guarascio. Additionally, she is also survived by her brother, Jack O’Neil of McKeesport, and a large extended family.

A 1952 graduate of Divine Redeemer Academy, Beverly was known as a fun-loving scholar and the statuesque redhead. She was a voracious reader and, lacking opportunity afforded many women at the time, longed for adventure. Consequently, upon turning 18-years-of-age on Christmas Day, Beverly promptly joined and proudly served in the United States Navy (Korean War) as an Ensign First Class. She initially worked in Maryland/DC where she served under Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear navy. She later served in Hutchinson, KS where she met her husband Rick of New York (also a US Navy veteran).

Beverly possessed a charismatic personality and was usually the center of attention at most gatherings. She was a gifted story and joke teller and would often entertain her many friends and relatives as well as numerous priest acquaintances. She loved all things Irish and visited Ireland on several occasions. She enjoyed many other international and domestic trips with her daughters throughout the years. Beverly was fun-loving and remained adventurous till the end. Foremost, she was always sustained by her deep Catholic faith even during her darkest days. We will all deeply miss Beverly and her enthusiastic, special love of life and her family.

Family and friends are welcome at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church, 310 32nd Street, McKeesport, PA 15132. Burial will follow.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent in support of the Bruce Michael Guarascio Memorial Scholarship at Serra Catholic High School, 200 Hershey Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132 (412-751-2020).