ROCKFORD—Father Salvatore J. Guagliardo died on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at St. Anne Place here, where he was a resident.

 

Father Guagliardo was born on May 4, 1929, in Rockford to Margaret and Vincent Guagliardo. 

 

He  attended the University of Illinois, Normal,  (1951-52), then attended St. Ambrose College, Davenport, Iowa (1952-55). He then attended St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, Md. (1955-59). He went on to further his studies at Loyola University, Chicago (1964) where he received a Master’s Degree in Education.

 

Father Guagliardo was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend Loras T. Lane at St. Anthony Parish, Rockford, on May 11, 1959. His first assignment was in 1959 as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Richmond (1959-1960).

 

In 1960 he was appointed administrator at St. Gall Parish, Elburn. Later that same year he was appointed parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Harvard (1960-1962).

 

He served on the faculty at Boylan Central Catholic High School (1963-1970) and served as Chaplain at Mt. St. Francis Motherhouse, Rockford (1969-1970). Father Guagliardo was then assigned parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Crystal Lake (1970-1971).

 

He then was assigned pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Apple River and Holy Trinity Parish, Scales Mound (1971-1972); and was later assigned as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Oregon (1972-1976). He then served as chaplain at Maria Linden, Rockford (1976-1980).

 

Father Guagliardo was then appointed consultant for the Diocesan Catholic Education Office and later as psychological consultant for the Diocese of Rockford Tribunal (1976-1980).

 

He served as pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, Crystal Lake (1980-1987). In 1988, he was assigned pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Lena (1988-1999) and retired there from active ministry on June 1, 1999.

 

Father Guagliardo is predeceased by his parents Vincent and Margaret (Berbiglia) Guagliardo. He is also predeceased by his six elder brothers, Anthony, Joseph (Margaret), Frank (Mary), Nicholas (Anna), Phillip (Mary) and Augustine (Verona). 

 

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

 

Throughout the years, Father Guagliardo has been a wonderful spiritual advisor and mentor to many in his family. He has baptized, given first holy Communion and performed the wedding ceremonies of many of his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

 

Father Guagliardo’s Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford with visitation held prior to the Mass. Burial took place at Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago.