Joseph M. Guidera (1950- 2021)
Joseph M. Guidera, passed away unexpectedly at home, on June 9, 2021.
Born in Utica, he was the son of Rose and Luciano (Lucky) Guidera, who predeceased him. He was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School and Hunter College, with a degree in biochemistry. In his early twenties, Joe moved to NYC and never left. He loved living there and thrived on all the culture the city had to offer. He also thrived on the cultural diversity of NYC and enjoyed its variety of cuisines. He attended Broadway plays, rock concerts, as well as symphonies, Shakespeare In the Park performances and operas at the Metropolitan Opera House. Joe had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and read books on a wide range of subjects. He probably visited every museum in the city and could give a running commentary on nearly every exhibit. In his earlier years, he performed in numerous Off-Broadway plays. Though Joe loved living in the Big City, he was drawn to nature and demonstrated a vast knowledge of plants, trees, insects, flowers, animals and the stars, citing the Latin for their common names. However, his greatest passion was music. By vocation, Joe was a songwriter, singer, musician and performer. He always had lyrics and melodies magically swirling in his head. He was always jotting down words and phrases and humming tunes into his phone if he wasn't home. A source of great pride for him was the Grammy nomination he once received for one of his songs. Joe loved performing and could often be seen in various venues across the city. He earned the respect and friendship of many people he worked with in the music world, with one calling him, "One of the good ones!"
Joe leaves behind his most loving companion of the last 15 years, Niurka Sabina. They were inseparable. Niurka shared her family, especially her daughter and son-in-law and their four children, with whom Joe spent many happy times. Joe is also survived by his loving family: his brother, Marty Guidera; and his sister and brother-in-law, Josey and Joe Lopez; his nephews, Matt Lopez and his wife, Kristin, Mike Lopez and his wife, Erica, Justen Lopez and his grand-nieces and nephew, Samantha and Katherine Lopez and Luciana and Michael Lopez. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt, Louis and Frances Bell; his aunt, Marie Bell; his many cousins; and his lifelong friends, Joe Ciaccarelli and Fred Peek.
A service will be held on June 30, 2021, at 11:00, at the Calvary Cemetery, 2407 Oneida St., Utica, lower mausoleum.
Donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, for those who wish to make one.
Online condolences may be made on krtilfuneralhome.com.
Online messages can be left below on this page.
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IN MEMORY Nestor Benjamin Zapata Passed Jan 15, 2026 Born June 28,1932 Resided Nyc, NY Nestor Benjamin Zapata went home to the Risen Jesus on Jan 15, 2026 at age 93. Nestor was born to Nestor Zapata Sandoval and Anita Vinck on June 28, 1932 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. As a Child, He excelled in school, theater and sports. With leading roles in plays at George Washington H.S. IN Washington Heights, NYC. He was also an avid baseball and basketball player. He loved playing golf with his friends. He also was an excellent ice skater that few PR's can do. Nestor met his 1st wife, Connie at a church dance. They married two years later and went on to have four children, Nestor, Michael, Laura and Christina. Also many Grandchildren as well Great-Grandchildren He later met his current wife, Grace and married Nov 5, 1999. They loved going to meetings to celebrate the gift of sobriety. As well as helping many people along the journey. They also enjoyed going to Lincoln Center, Radio City and Broadway. Seeing Hamilton twice! They acquired an incredible taste for NYC Cuisine. In addition to being a dedicated father, Nestor also loved the NY Yankees and NY Giants, also staying active in AA & holding various roles at the church. He also will be remembered for umpiring little league on Roosevelt Island. He held an unwavering faith in God, which He shared with those who surrounded him.
Viewing Thursday December 18th, 2025 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Church of St. Monica 413 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Thursday December 18th, 2025 10:00 A.M. Private Cremation In Lieu of Flowers Donate to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Donna M. Hamilton, a beloved mother, was born on December 27, 1943 in Kansas City, MO and peacefully passed away in the early evening of October 31, 2025. Donna’s faith guided her outlook to motherhood and to life. Donna grew up throughout the state of Texas. After graduating high school, her family moved to Washington, D. C. She eventually met and later married Vernon Hamilton (1930-2014); they had three children. Donna enjoyed participating in her church's events, embroidery, watching Hallmark movies, and most of all being with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a kind, friendly personality that was noticed by everyone. Donna retired from New York Presbyterian Hospital after working as a Physician’s Assistant for over 35 years. She worked in the ambulatory surgery and plastic surgery departments, but her passion was in plastic surgery. Donna was phenomenal and highly respected in her field and often would be called upon to help the student physicians. Donna is survived by her three children: Scott, Melody, and Todd, an older brother, John Scott, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Hamilton, who lived nearby, was often at her apartment visiting, going to the store for her when it became too difficult, or trying to keep her spirit up. Donna was loving, kind, charming, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will continue to inspire us all. Two quotes that our mother always told us (and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren): “treat others the way you wanted to be treated” and “do not compare yourself to others because for always there will be greater and lesser persons than you.”