Obituary
Anthony Guerere, 85, of Hammonton, N.J. passed away Saturday December 17, 2022 at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa. He was born in Winslow, N.J. He began guitar lessons at the age of 6 and piano at 8. In 1946, he became a member of Hap Branders String Band and then later in 1949 he appeared on the Steel Pier on the Tony Grant show. In 1950, he won First place among young composers in a national music competition sponsored by the American Guild. In high school, he represented Hammonton High School at Boys State, was president of the National Honor Society and Student Director of the High School Band. That year, he wrote both words and music for the class song. He served in the National Guard from 1960 – 1968. He received his BS and MA degrees in music education from the College of N.J. and became certified as a supervisor and principal from Rowan University. He was the band director at Hammonton High School from 1959 to 1987, and eventually became a supervisor and administrator until his retirement in 1998. He became adjunct professor of Music at The College of New Jersey and Rowan University, where he conducted the Atlantic Brass Band. Mr. Guerere also conducted the All-South Jersey Symphonic Band as well as the All-State Brass Ensemble and received the Otto Helbig Conducting Award from the College of New Jersey. He was president of the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association and the New Jersey Music Educators Association where he received the distinguished service award and honorary life membership. He received the Governor’s Award in the Arts for Distinguished Leadership in Music Education. In 2008, Anthony was named Artist of the Year by the Arts and Cultural Committee of the Hammonton Chamber of Commerce, and conducted the Ocean City Pops Orchestra in a Gala concert.
Anthony is predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Minnie Guerere. He is survived by his wife, Rose Rita (nee Errera); Son, Anthony Guerere and his wife Marizel; Daughters, Lynne Lucca and her husband Rusty and Joanne Pullia and her husband PJ. Loving grandfather of A.J. and Gina Guerere, Michelle McMaster (Charlie), Christy Lucca and Gabrielle, Danielle and Paul Pullia. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.
Family and friends were invited to attend his visitation, Wednesday Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Church, 285 Rt. 206 Hammonton, N.J. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anthony’s name to the Hammonton Education Foundation for use in the Hammonton Schools Music Programs. To share a condolence, please visit marinellafuneralhome.com.
Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.