Pop Warner Remembers Frank Guida, A true American hero

On Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, Pop Warner and America lost a true legend and inspiration to all. At the age of 85 after a short battle with cancer, Frank P. Guida passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Frank was born on May 20, 1919 and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio with his close knit Italian family. Before the United States entered World War II, Frank chose to join the Canadian Army and later transferred to the US Army, earning a Purple Heart, amongst his many other military honors.

While in North Africa, Frank was wounded and captured, but escaped while being relocated, in Milan, Italy, where he made his way through the occupied Italian countryside on foot.

He was hidden and protected from the enemy by the people of a small mountain village until his wounds allowed him to rejoin the American forces.

After reuniting with his family in Redwood City, Frank opened Guida Realty and was an active Realtor/broker for over 25 years. His involvement with the community grew, along with his young family. Frank's involvement included Little League, Pop Warner, Indian Guides and Police Youth Club.

Among many other accomplishments, he was named PTA Parent of the Year in the 1960's, Cub Scout Pack Master, President of the Board of Realtors, President and Board member of Peninsula Pop Warner for 42 years, and in 1993 was named Redwood City's Outstanding Citizen.

In 2004, Frank was named the National Pop Warner Volunteer of the Year, and is a member of the Pop Warner National Hall of Fame. Known as “Coach Guida” by generations of boys, girls, and adults, Frank was involved with the Redwood City Jr. 49ers Pop Warner football program in the Peninsula Pop Warner League for 42 years, until retiring last year at the age of 84. He was always in his element when surrounded by youth, and every player was a “champ” to him. In January, 2005, Frank was featured on KPIX, Channel 5, as an exemplary youth advocate.

Frank is survived by four children, Carol, Ed, Jim and Bob, daughters-in law, Teri, Pam and Wendy Guida, his sister and brother-in-law Luisa and Tudor Bogart, his sister, Maria Ryskiewicz, his sisters-in-law Greta and Frances Guida, many nephews and nieces, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His appreciation of his Italian heritage and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank Guida's name to Mid County Youth Football, c/o Marianne Pignatti, P.O. Box 3541, Redwood City, Calif. 94064 or St. Anthony's Padua Dining Room, 3500 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025.

A private family service was held on Friday. A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Red Morton Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue in Redwood City. Everyone who loved Frank is invited to attend and encouraged to share pictures and memories.

Remembering Frank Guida

In a moving ceremony at the 2004 National Scholar Banquet, Frank Guida was honored for his service by Emcee Lee Corso, Kansas City Chiefs President Carl Peterson and former NFL star Quarterback Jack Kemp, along with recieving his award as Volunteer of the Year by Pop Warner.