Harry J. Guinan

Harry J. Guinan of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 years on April 4, 2024.

A devoted husband of just shy of 64 years to Nancy (O’Neill) Guinan (predeceased); a loving father to daughters Kathy Austin (Ed), Nancy Spencer (Bob) and sons Kelly (Margie) & Jack.  Cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren; Laura, Ashley, Casey Lynn, Samantha (predeceased), Katie, Bridgette, and Kelly, and fourteen great-grandchildren. 

Harry was born in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, the second eldest child of Joseph A. and Anna (Mautz) Guinan.  Harry attended Visitation Grade School and is the proudest of North Catholic alums, class of 1949.  Harry served in the US Army in the early 1950’s.

Harry and Nancy were high school sweethearts who loved to dance; jitterbug being their specialty!  A US Army Korean War Era veteran, Harry and Nancy remained a couple throughout his years of service.  After being Honorably Discharged, he returned to Philadelphia where he and Nancy eventually married in 1955.  Married for almost 64 years, their love and devotion to each other was an inspiration to all.  They had a large group of friends with whom they socialized both at home and down the seashore.  Their love for music and dancing never left them, as they could be seen dancing in their kitchen, at socials, or at the many, many weddings they attended.  Nancy was the love of Harry’s life!

Harry spent most of his working years as a truck driver, a proud Teamster!  He loved driving, and finally later in life, when he was strictly a “neighborhood-only driver,” Harry finally turned over his car keys.  Even then, he kept his car with the tiny boxing gloves hanging from the rear-view mirror parked outside his Paul’s Run apartment, so he could look out his window and see it every day.

An adored Pop-Pop to seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, Harry rarely missed a baseball, softball, rugby, soccer, or football game, regardless of the weather!   As for the kid’s birthdays, Harry was a fixture…as much to enjoy the celebration, but to also enjoy the cake and ice cream!  Harry never met a dessert he did not like!  And when it came to the beach or a swimming pool, Harry was the first one in the water with the kids and the last one out!  Look up grandfather in the dictionary, and you will see a picture of Harry Guinan!

Harry and Nancy, along with brother Joe Guinan II and sister-in-law Lois (both predeceased), sister Nancy Hipp (predeceased) and brother-in-law Jack, and sister Dolores Turner and brother-in-law Jack, known as the “Crazy 8’s”, were the best of friends, and shared countless good times together since the 1950’s!  Lovers of the South Jersey shore, “On The Way To Cape May” could have been written for them!

As for Harry’s extended family…all the Hipp, Turner, Guinan, and O’Neill nieces and nephews, favorite Uncle Harry was beloved and will always be remembered for his smiles and jokes!

Harry was always there with a smile and a joke, an unconditional helping hand, a listening ear, and a calm manner for both family and friends.  His easy demeanor could transform worry into comfort; fears into strengths; and tears into smiles. A selfless, generous man, Harry will be missed! 

Strong in his Catholic faith, we take comfort in knowing that Harry is up in heaven reunited again with Nancy and the rest of his family including beloved granddaughter Samantha Spencer.  From this day forward in heaven, there will be a little more dancing, a little more humming, a little more whistling, and a LOT MORE LAUGHTER!  We will forever hold Harry close in our hearts. 

We invite you to join us to celebrate Harry’s life Monday, April 22, 2024 at St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church at 10 AM for a visitation.  His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM.  Committal Prayers, preceded by Military Honors, will be held at 1 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry's memory may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry J. Guinan, please visit our floral store.