Cover for Guy C. Renzi's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Guy C.

Guy C. Renzi Profile Photo

Renzi

September 24, 2020

Obituary

 * * PLEASE READ * * 

  •  For your safety and the safety of our staff, you must wear a mask when entering the funeral home. 
  •   We will not be allowing more than 30 people in the funeral home at a given time, therefore, we kindly ask that you limit your visitation time in order to accommodate other visitors that may be waiting to enter the chapel.  
  •  We also ask that you please follow all  CDC guidelines  before entering the funeral home. Please call (718) 745 - 1445 for more information. 

     Thank you, 
     Clavin Funeral Home 

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Visiting: Sunday (9/27) 2 - 4 PM  and  7 - 9 PM
Mass: Monday (9/28) 9:30 AM @  Saint Patrick R.C. Church 
Cemetery:  Moravian Cemetery  (Staten Island, NY)

 -    -    -    COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING AVAILABLE    -    -    - 
 
Guy was born in Brooklyn, New York, and spent the early years of his life in Sunset Park with his loving late brothers, Nick and Billy, and his late sister Edith.  Guy joined the U.S. Army where he served before pursuing a career in law enforcement with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).  It was while on the job at NYPD that Guy met the love of his life, Anita, who was working at Bellevue Hospital in New York City as a medical secretary.  Anita's first glimpse of Guy was when he was handcuffed to a street offender, escorting him into the unit of the hospital where Anita worked.  Their lives unfolded from there, and this marked the beginning of a beautiful 60-year union.  Guy and Anita soon married and moved to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where they raised two marvelous children, their caring daughter Charisse, and their son Nicholas, whose short life brought such joy to everyone.

When it came to his job, Guy always said that 'work isn't work when you love what you do' – and he certainly loved what he did.  Guy was a proud and dedicated member of the NYPD, serving more than 30 years and rising through the ranks from Patrolman, to Sergeant, to Detective, and later to Supervisor of the Detective Squad and Bomb Squad.  During his tenure with the NYPD, Guy's assignments included the Crime Scene Unit, Homicide Squad, and Photography division.  He played an active role in the 1980 John Lennon homicide investigation, as well as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.  After joining the Bomb Squad at the request of a police department colleague who had been severely injured by an explosive device, Guy devoted his time to assisting in the design of robotic apparatus for the safe retrieval and detonation of explosives.  Guy was a hard worker and steadfast provider for his family, saving every penny he earned by moonlighting during his NYPD career as a taxi driver, plumber, construction worker, carpenter, package courier and gumball machine vendor.  He was a handyman, and an "everyman" for "everybody."

Guy touched everyone he came into contact with in a memorable way. With his quick wit and wry sense of humor, he would leave everyone -- from his doctors and nurses to acquaintances and friends -- in stitches.  Many times, you wouldn't even realize he was kidding about something until a few minutes later, when you would burst out in laughter. This sense of humor, and easy-going nature and desire to help others, impacted so many people.   Guy made friends wherever he went, because he treated everyone like a friend.  There are many stories of him coming to the aid of complete strangers, such as driving elderly people home from the local supermarket or offering money to a needy mother and children on the street.  Often, friends and acquaintances alike would visit and stay for hours to enjoy his stories and talk about anything from politics to sports, to carpentry and current events.

Guy loved the outdoors, and everyone cherishes the memories of the summer home he and Anita purchased in upstate New York, with the entire family and many friends enjoying their company for so many years.   As a skilled carpenter, Guy joyfully embarked on many indoor and outdoor projects there, including a full kitchen renovation, the construction of an addition to the home, as well as the crafting of custom furniture pieces.  Whether hunting, dining out, snowmobiling, tending to his garden or simply cutting the grass on his tractor, Guy always found his peace and tranquility in the 'country.'

Guy was an inventor as well, always thinking of new ways to make things better and more efficient.  He was particularly proud of a patent that he secured for an innovative pest control device that attaches to garage doors.  He also completed the design of a device for the easy dispensing of liquid laundry detergent.  A lifelong baseball and hockey fan, Guy's beloved New York Rangers at least won 1 Stanley Cup during his adult lifetime – but it never stopped him from hoping and watching every game – a tried-and-true supporter of the underdog.

Guy was always on hand to help his children, and enjoyed every moment of helping his late son, Nicky, with his pest control business.  Guy would regularly accompany Nicky on consultations and appointments across New York City and Long Island.  He was a steady fixture with the customers and employees alike. Similarly, Guy cherished spending time with his daughter Charisse and helping her work through a never-ending list of errands around Bay Ridge.  Guy's heart was filled with equal love for his grandchildren: Nicole, Nicolette and Matthew.   His world revolved around them, and he served as a wonderful example of how to live a meaningful, productive and moral life.  He was always there for them, no matter the time of day or night, no matter whether he was feeling well or not, and no matter the personal sacrifice.  All they would have to do is ask.  From doing overnight feeding shifts for Nicolette and Matthew when they were newborns, to driving Nicole from Bay Ridge to Brooklyn College several days a week for the entire summer, to offering guidance and a sympathetic ear during times of stress, Grandpa Guy was THE guy.  Nicole, Nicolette and Matthew recognized his loving qualities early on and were always grateful to spend time with him.

True to his name, Guy was simply a great "guy."  He was a true gentleman, an honorable man, and a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.  He was honest on the job and off, generous, always helpful to others, and a best friend to so many people.  There is not a single person anyone can think of who has ever said a bad word about Guy.  He was always surrounded by friends and family, and will always remain the center of their universe, as a natural role model, mentor and friend.

As one friend wrote to Guy's daughter Charisse a few days ago, Guy was a "living angel."  May our angel rest in peace and continue to shine brightly into eternity.

   In lieu of flowers, family kindly requests that you consider a donation to: 
 
 

 American Heart Association 

- or -

 Shriner's Hospitals for Children 

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