Joseph "Joe" Guido
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Coach
Wayland, Massachusetts
Joseph "Joe" Guido, a cherished member of the Wayland community and beloved patriarch of the Guido family, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded by those he loved most. He was 87.
Joe was born on April 3, 1938, in West New York, New Jersey, son of the late Donato Guido and Josephine Guido (née DiVerita), where he was raised with strong family values, a love of sports, and a tireless work ethic. In October 1960, he married the love of his life, Angela (née Gatto) Guido, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly 65 years. Together, they built a home rooted in warmth, humor, traditions, and enduring love.
In 1974, Joe and Angela settled in Wayland, Massachusetts, where they raised their children and became deeply woven into the fabric of the local community.
Joe was the proud and devoted father of Daryl Guido Schnepp and her husband Thomas, and Christopher Guido and his wife Nuala. He was the brother of Donald Guido, and the deeply proud grandfather to four grandchildren who brought him endless joy. He is also remembered fondly by his cousins, niece and nephew, whom he held close in his heart.
Professionally, Joe was the founder and president of Integré International Inc., an information technology consulting firm established in 1992. He led with quiet confidence, integrity, and deep respect for his clients and colleagues, earning a reputation as a true professional.
Outside of work, Joe had a wide array of passions. He was an avid hiker, especially in the hills around Lake Minnewaska in upstate New York and the Palisades of New Jersey. He found joy in music of all kinds, from the soulful harmonies of the Eagles to the timeless compositions of Beethoven. He had a soft spot for poetry, particularly the works of E. E. Cummings, and could often be found sharing a favorite line or two. Joe also had an enduring fascination with astrology, geography, and gardening, and he loved the company of his Samoyed dog, all affectionately named Sammy.
Joe's love of cooking, especially for family gatherings, was a treasured part of who he was. His own recipes, along with cherished dishes passed down from his mother, will be enjoyed for generations to come. He was also an avid bird watcher, frequently making trips to Plum Island and keeping a lively collection of feeders in his backyard. On clear nights, Joe became a neighborhood astronomer, bringing out his telescope to map the skies with his kids and their friends, turning stargazing into a magical shared experience.
Joe's most visible and enduring impact was in youth sports. In 1975, Joe saved the old, run-down Wayland Junior High gym that was slated for demolition. Where others saw decay, Joe saw potential. He founded Wayland Youth Basketball and through ingenuity and community spirit, he led its transformation, spearheading candy drives, and bit by bit, he rebuilt that gym: a new floor, glass backboards, bleachers, protective padding in Wayland colors (which he built himself), and a new scoreboard. Eventually, the town saw what Joe saw, a space for the community, and invested in the revitalization of the building. Today, that gym serves as the Wayland Town Hall and is used for local sports and elections.
But it was the Wayland Youth Basketball league that became Joe's legacy. Every Sunday, he reffed all the games, often stopping play for teachable moments, making sure every kid had a chance to grow. Joe would quietly rig the games so the fourth quarter was close, teaching kids how to handle pressure and thrive in tight situations. Many of those players went on to win state championships for Wayland and Weston. Years later, they'd still come and find Joe after their games just to say thank you.
Joe will be remembered for his humility, sharp wit, generosity, stories, and unwavering devotion to family and community. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, coach, and friend.
A private service will be held for family and friends. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 4–7PM in the Burke Funeral Home, Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Forever our coach, our compass, and our heart.