Guy Donato Paradiso

Guy Donato Paradiso age 88 of Cumming, GA passed away on December 23, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Donato and Gentila Paradiso, and his first cousins Carlo Paradiso and Guy Joseph (Nino) Paradiso who were like his brothers, having grown up together.

Guy is survived by his wife Arlene Paradiso, and two sons: Guy (Pete) Paradiso (Joy) of Plano, TX, and Mark Paradiso (Mary) of Woodstock, GA. Grandchildren: Guy (Tony) Paradiso, Gina Hamel (Travis), Andrea Paradiso (fiancé Brett), Christina Paradiso Sykes (Taylor). Great-grandchild: Benjamin Hayes Hamel. Stepchildren: Michelle Crete (Jeremy), Mike Yoshida, Dave Stock (Cindy), Mike Stock (Polly), Diane Soule (Dan), and Kevin Stock (Lynn), all of whom he loved like his own children.

Guy was born on May 18, 1935, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in the Windy City, moving to suburban Hinsdale, IL in 1961, where he lived until 2005. Guy began his architectural - engineering career in 1955. He worked with several different firms in Chicago, before opening his own firm, Project Collaborative in the 1970’s. Architect by day, a firefighter by night, he poured his passion into both building communities and protecting them as a volunteer fireman with the Hinsdale Fire Department.

Guy retired in the early 2000’s and moved to Cumming, GA with his wife Arlene to be close to his children and grandchildren. Guy was an avid car enthusiast and a voracious reader of Smithsonian magazines. He loved playing piano and enjoyed the cool sounds of Stan Kenton and Gato Barbieri. He blogged about world history and political events, and if we didn’t know better, we would have thought he was a historian. Even in his final weeks he was holding court and telling stories about downtown Chicago in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, as family gathered around him.

As a St. Benedict Catholic church member, Guy was described as a gentle soul by Pastor, Father Paul Flood. Guy will be deeply  missed by his family and friends.

Memorial services will be held Friday, December 29, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Father Paul Flood officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral beginning at 2:30 p.m. and at a reception following the service at The Plantation & Preserve at Brookwood Clubhouse, 6910 Brookwood Way; Cumming, GA 30041.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.