Evelyn A. (Tedeschi) Guarino

Evelyn, 89, of Cranston, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Albert Tedeschi, Sr. and Josephine (Ferri) Tedeschi.

Evelyn was the beloved wife of the late Michael R. Guarino for 59 years. She was the devoted mother of Donna Fantozzi and her husband Joseph, and the late Kathie Gambuto and her surviving husband David Gambuto. Lovingly known as "Nonnie," she cherished her grandchildren: Joseph Fantozzi, Jr. and his wife Kelly, Amanda Gambuto, and Lora (Gambuto) Broccoli and her husband Dante. Affectionately called "GiGi," she adored her great-grandchildren: Thomas and Savina Fantozzi, and Carmela and Francesca Broccoli.

She is also survived by her brother, Albert Tedeschi (retired Cranston Fire Chief) and his family; her brothers-in-law Robert Guarino and his wife Sandra, and Kenneth Guarino and his wife Ellie, along with their children and grandchildren. Evelyn considered many employees and friends as family, especially Gina Vallone Malm, who worked alongside her for 48 years and continues to help manage the family business.

Evelyn graduated from Cranston High School East in 1955. Shortly after graduation, she married Michael and began raising their two daughters. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Evelyn and her mother opened Jo-Ev Florist. In 1970, alongside her husband and daughters, she co-founded Contract Specialties in Providence, a proud Made in USA manufacturer of costume jewelry, custom items, and souvenirs. The family business expanded in 1980 when, joined by their sons-in-law, they acquired the Sunbell/Masiel copper tooling and machinery, incorporating it into their Rhode Island operations, which continues today as The Sunburst Companies.

Known for her incredible work ethic, Evelyn was deeply devoted to her family and their business. After her husband Michael passed away in 2015, she continued working before eventually selling her home and moving in with her daughter Donna, where she resided until her passing. In the last year and a half, Evelyn found immense joy and companionship attending the Cranston Adult Day Center. She cherished the friendships she made there and deeply appreciated the exceptional love and care provided by the staff.

To meet Evelyn was to love her. Always ready for an adventure, she possessed many talents, including sewing, knitting, crocheting, and puzzle making – truly having "hands of gold." She treasured vacationing and swimming, creating lasting memories with her grandchildren, and later reliving those joys with her great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was a beautiful, strong woman whose warm spirit touched everyone she met. She will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Calling hours: Monday, May 5th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave, Cranston, RI 02910.

Funeral Service Tuesday, May 6 at 8:45 am from the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary's Church, 1525 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.