In Memoriam: Vincent J. Guarriello

Vincent J. Guarriello, one of the true legends of the foodservice equipment industry and who was pivotal in its postwar development, passed away Oct.16 in Red Bank, N.J. He was 93.

Guarriello had a long tenure in the E&S industry and was mentor to many corporate and sales executives working today. He served many years as executive v.p.-sales for Blodgett Ovens, and went to work for Welbilt Corp. after Maytag Corp. bought Blodgett.

“Vinnie was a dominant figure in the foodservice equipment industry for much of the second half of the 20th century,” said Robin Ashton, publisher at Foodservice Equipment Reports. “He and his reps could sell to anyone: convection ovens to Burger King for biscuits, deck ovens on the Bowery for pizza. He could be a tough-talking New Yorker, but he knew how to bring out the best in those he worked with. He mentored scores of people in this business, including me.” (See Robin’s editorial for more memories from other industry figures.)

The New York City native was the youngest of six children. He was working for Brewster Aeronautical producing airplanes for the Navy when World War II broke out. He served in the U.S. Marines in the Pacific theater, serving on the aircraft carrier Bennington, and later at the airfield in Okinawa.

Guarriello was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary, with whom he founded the Vincent S. Mastro Montessori Academy. Survivors include seven nephews and two nieces. Services have been held. Donations may be made to the Mary Mastro Guarriello Scholarship Fund, c/o Mastro Montessori Academy, 35 White Road, Shrewsbury, N.J. 07702. More information can be found at johnedayfuneralhome.com.

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