Guarco family loses matriarch and patriarch

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Michael Guarco, Sr. (known as Bruno) and his wife Eileen passed away within a month of each other. Photos courtesy of the family.

The recent deaths of Eileen and Michael Guarco on March 14 and April 10, respectively, has left a large void for the remaining generations of a family instrumental in Granby’s business community since 1915.

Granby’s original Guarcos came to town in that year, having immigrated from Salogni, Italy. The first of four generations to come, Doro and Matilda made their living hiring sturdy men with axes to cut down trees in northern Connecticut and southern Massachusetts to sell to homeowners who needed firewood to heat their homes. Although other ventures would follow, this first one was definitely a precursor to the family’s current occupation of helping residents warm their homes and businesses via the State Line Oil company.

The couple had two sons, Michael, Sr. (known as Bruno in his early years) and Alessio, who helped as the family transitioned into farming, raising cows and growing food. After a stint serving in the Korean War in 1951, Michael returned and with his brother, increased the size of their farming operation and worked at a tavern Doro had opened in Hartford.

In the early 1960s, Michael had an occasion to contact a friend who ran an oil delivery company and was having difficulty fulfilling his delivery obligations due to his interest in pouring foundations for buildings on the shoreline. Michael decided a good oil company was just what Granby needed. He convinced the friend to sell him the business. It was the beginning of State Line Oil in the year 1961.

Michael kept his brothers, sisters, sons and daughter occupied with learning all aspects of the trade. Eventually adding plumbing and electrical skills to their store of knowledge, the business added installation and maintenance of all manner of heating and cooling devices for their clients. Even when he “retired,” Michael still went into the office most days—even at the age of 90.

Eileen met Michael at a square dance when she was attending Elms College. They married in 1957, and she began married life teaching at Southwick Elementary School. Once their five children (Michael Jr., Alan, Mary Anne, Brian and John) started arriving, she left teaching and began keeping the books for her husband’s company.

She was a very active person who liked bowling, concerts, the theater, and especially travel, which was enhanced by her interest in different languages and cultures. More than anything, however, she loved her family and pet cats and hosting the family gatherings that are the hallmark of the Guarco clan.

Michael gave back to Granby in many ways: as a 60-year member of the Lions Club, a charter member of UNICO, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, which honored him as Business Man of the Year in 2004. He was a trustee at Westfield State University and a past president of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors of Connecticut. As with Eileen, who remained the love of his life until his dying day, he most cherished his family. Nothing made him as happy as serving his homemade wine and sausage along with some freshly caught clams from Cape Cod at gatherings with family and friends.

Although future Guarco gatherings without the matriarch and patriarch will be difficult, thanks to Eileen and Michael’s devotion to family, there will always be many wonderful memories to enjoy and keep alive through current and future generations.

The Guarcos at their wedding in 1957.