Egidio Louis "John" Guarnieri, age 88, of Beaver Falls, PA and formerly of Springfield Twp., Mercer County passed away at Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver, PA on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 12:50pm. He was born in Volant, Plain Grove Twp., Lawrence County on May 12, 1927 to Frank and Elizabeth Crisari Guarnieri.

He married Stella Lapiga on July 5, 1952 and preceded him in death on July 22, 1990. John was one of 18 children.

He never knew his mother, Elizabeth. John was 2 when fire consumed his family home. His mother tossed kerosene into the stove one day. The explosion killed her and destroyed the house. John's older brother, Frank, tossed him and another brother, Victor, out the window to save their lives.

John's father, Frank, sent the kids to live with friends and neighbors while he rebuilt the house. That took two-and-a-half years. John worked on the family farm growing up and later became foreman of Willowbrook Mining. Following he worked for and retired from Adobe Mining in Grove City as a foreman. He was very dedicated to the quality of his work.

John was of the Catholic faith. He was a US Army-Air Force Veteran and a lifetime member and former commander of the VFW Stanley Snyder Post 7465 of Springfield Twp. He an accomplished accordion player.

Survivors include a daughter, Diana R. Clark and husband John "Jack" of Polk, PA; two sons, John P and wife Cory Guarnieri of Poland, OH; and David M. and wife Bunny Guarnieri of New Castle; three sisters, Rose Johns of Grove City; Betty Greggs of Stoneboro; and Adeline Wagner of New Wilmington; brother Anthony "Tony" Guarnieri and wife Genevieve of Volant; three grandchildren, Stacy Clark; Chris Clark; Daniel Guarnieri; and two great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; six brothers, Louis; Frank; Paul; Charles; Harry; Dominic; and Victor; two adult sisters, Mary D'Arcangelo; Julia Bonanni; and four infant sisters.

In honoring his wishes, Funeral Services have been held privately at Smith Funeral Home, 1778 Perry Hwy., Volant, PA. Interment has taken place at Crestview Memorial Park in Pine Twp., Mercer County.