Michael Anthony Guarasci II

 Michael Anthony Guarasci, the son of Phyllis & Robert Guarasci was born August 25, 1959, in Denver, Colorado. He had two sisters: Debi Howell and Michelle Smith, both of Denver.

Michael was married two times. First to Cindy Warren on September 12, 1980. From this union came two children: Michael Anthony III and Lewis James.
Michael lived in various places including Denver and Yuma. It was in Yuma he found his second wife: Jeannine White and they were married on October 15, 1994. From this union was born a daughter, Makyla Nicole, on March 6, 1995.

He moved back and forth between Denver and Yuma and finally came back to Yuma to work alongside Lew in Lew’s Plumbing and Heating.

Despite his weak stomach when it came to certain domestic aspects of his life and work,  Papa Lew had no trouble teaching him how to  be deal with “brown trout”. He got used to that, somewhat. And when looking at what he did for work, it was quite comical to think that what he never got used to dealing  with was “dog messes or baby diapers”, two things that would forever make him gag.


To look at, be around and listen to Michael, one saw him in various fashions and colors, he was a tough guy (more than likely made tough by a rough upbringing); he was also funny; and enjoyed listening and dancing to music by Tom Petty, Hootie and the Blow fish, and the Goo Goo dolls. He liked Harley motorcycles and fast cars, his pride and joy was a 1996 Trans Am, a car in which he taught Makyla to drive in. Which, if you ask me, was a dangerous decision to make; to place your child in the car that you love, behind the steering wheel with a foot on the gas... that had to be love for his daughter…or insanity; or a bit of both, but that’s my opinion.

He had a kindness that was shown to many, but was mainly saved for his children. They will remember the sweet notes he left for them, cards that he wrote, and words that he said.

Mike loved to be a grandpa, giving himself to six grandkids, James, Izabella, Anthony, Cora, all Guarascis and Elliette and Emberlee Sewell.

He made everybody feel good and loved  and was called by a wide variety of names: Pops, Uncle Mike, Papa, Dad, and Mike. He loved to give big Italian hugs and he always greeted everyone with, “Hey Babe.”

When asked for words to share about their father, his children had this to say:
“Dad will be remembered for his kind and friendly demeanor, his helpful nature, his bright smile, his contagious love, his resilient work ethic, and his skilled craftsmanship.  Dad was a skilled handy-man, talented painter, and educated plumber. There was rarely a job that he couldn’t handle. He could even ‘put a toilet on the roof for you if you wanted it’. Work was a major priority in his life. And he was equally as trusted as he was liked by all of his customers. Over the years Dad enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley, working on projects, spending time with friends and loved ones, listening to music, and most importantly, raising his three children, and six grandchildren. Family was always the most important to Dad, and one thing he instilled in his children was as a sense of “GuarasciPride”. No matter how mad we all got at each other, he taught us that family was forever, and that loyalty was not an option. This is something that us children will carry with them forever and will pass on to our  children.”

Mourning Mike’s passing are Michael Guarasci III of Otis, Colorado, Lewis Guarasci of Yuma, Colorado, MaKyla Guarasci-Sewell and her husband Blake Sewell of Yuma, Colorado, Two sisters of Denver, Colorado Debi Howell and Michelle Smith, many nieces and nephews, and many friends. The memories of Tonna Bubanje and Lew Tramell are  with the family as well.
The funeral was held at the First Southern Baptist Church in Yuma, Bill Glover officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.