Share Service Information for Gary Robert Guglielmi

Obituary

Ground Breaking Development. And so God, the Master planner and developer, has announced a ground breaking for a faithful local developer, Gary R. Guglielmi, who relocated to Heavenly headquarters on February 9, 2014, at 4:44 a.m. Gary was platted on March 1, 1955, under the jurisdiction of Frank J. and Mary (Signoracci) Guglielmi, his parents who paved the way for his development. They, along with a large army of aunts, uncles and cousins built the strong infrastructure of faith, family and country that he surveyed in this life. His loyalty to and respect for his family and friends were the utilities which formed his dedicated improvements and directed his efforts. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Baxter Guglielmi of Upper Arlington, Ohio; brother and sister-in-law, Frank A. and Annett Hollington Guglielmi of Findlay, Ohio; niece and nephews, Annie G. and Christopher Allen Riehl and Christopher W. and Elizabeth Rhine Guglielmi, also of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Phillip K. Guglielmi of Bermuda; and step-granddaughters, Shawnelle, Taylor and Shevy Miller of London, Ohio. An advance man for Gary is his beloved nephew, Andrew Guglielmi, who proceeds him in Heavenly Site selection work. Gary's expansion and build out began in his home town of Upper Arlington where he excelled at sports and academics. His allegiance to his home town was evidenced by his life long residence there and support of the community. Following graduation from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Education and then two years toward a J.D. at Capital University, he returned to Upper Arlington High School to teach debate and advanced public speaking. The speaking and leadership skills he built during these years made him a shovel ready candidate for the civic leadership and public policy positions in which he was to grow. Gary became the executive director of the Grove City Chamber of Commerce in Grove City, Ohio, and while cutting many ribbons he also managed to form many strong alliances and the knowledge to lay a foundation for a multitude of large scale and impactful projects in Central Ohio. He joined the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Ohio as the Administrative Projects Manager furthering understanding and opportunities for the infrastructure development to follow. It was there that he providentially had an earth moving experience and was asked to board the growth development machine in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the City of Columbus under the administration of Mayor Buck Rinehart and then spent the last 29 years of his career as Development Manager for the city. The growth of Columbus during this time was significant and plowed and seeded by many of his efforts and accomplishments. Gary's most prized achievements came from the creation of jobs and and in improving community services supporting families, businesses and organizations. He never missed work and he never missed an opportunity to lift others up in developing themselves and their community. This was his hallmark. Gary served many civic and charitable organizations throughout the years. He was an outdoorsman and loved sports, shooting, fishing, golfing, boating and camping. He was also an accomplished musician who enjoyed playing with his friends. An artist and craftsman he notably attended the prestigious Hathaway and Ferguson where he was awarded the coveted "Mop and Bucket." And so, wiser now, uplifted and fortified by his work, his family and friends announce his most important revitalization effort. On Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Noon, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Gary at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 720 Hamlet Street (Italian Village) Columbus, Ohio, officiated by Rev. Fr. William A. Metzger. This will be followed by a reception for family and friends at 89 Fish and Grill located at 89 E. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet Street, Columbus, Ohio (43215) or the United Way of Central Ohio, 360 S. 3rd St., Columbus, Ohio (43215) or email to http://liveunitedcentralohio.org/take-action/give/. May his seeds continue to take root and grow here through his work, his family and his friends. All services entrusted with JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.