Emilio Guglielmelli

Emilio Guglielmelli, Jr (aka, Gugie, Jr, Bud) passed away peacefully at his home on the family farm August 25, 2020, with his beloved wife of 70 years, Pauline, at his side.  The same family farm, and within yards of the house where he was born on September 2, 1925 to Emilio Sr and Josephine Saturno Guglielmelli.

He graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy in 1943 at the age of 17.  A few months later, at 18, he was drafted into the US Army infantry.  After 10 weeks of basic training, he was sent to the Philippine Islands and after the liberation, he was sent to Japan for one year of occupation where he ran the mess hall and trained as a boxer until his discharge in 1946.  He returned to Walla Walla where he resumed vegetable farming with his father and brother Frank.

He married Pauline S. Andreas on June 17, 1950 at St. Paul Cathedral in Yakima, WA.  Together they built their home and raised eight children, Mary Pauline (deceased), Emma Jo, Mary, Monica, Emilio III, Gino, Clare and Dino.

Emilio loved music and for over 60 years he played drums for area bands and then started his own group, (Gugie’s Combo) where his motto was “Treat Your Feet to Gugie’s Beat”.  After retirement from the farm, he worked for Sporleder Clothing and then hauled wheat, driving a semi-truck with a trailer plus a pup way into his 80’s.

One of the highlights of his life was traveling back to the Philippines in 1995 for the 50 ^th Anniversary of the Liberation. He was a proud WWII Veteran and considered it an honor to serve his country.

He was a proud Catholic and member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he was a Lecture and volunteer assisting with many celebrations and events.  He served on both the WW and College Place Boundary Review Boards, and the Green Tank Water District #11 Board.  He was a life-time member of both the B.P.O.E. Elks Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and an honorary member of the WW Country Club.

He is survived by his wife, his seven children, 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, his parents and his siblings Lucile Miller, Frank and Joseph.

Visitation and viewing will be held Thursday September 3, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM  at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, with a recitation of the Holy Rosary led by Sister Helen Mason to follow at 5:00.  The mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Patrick Catholic Church Friday September 4, 2020 at 11:00 AM with internment at Mountain View Cemetery to follow.

Donations may be made in Emilio's name to St. Patrick Catholic church, Walla Walla Catholic Schools, Providence St. Mary Foundation, Catholic Family Charities, or Helpline through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.