Obituary of William K. Guglielmo

William K. Guglielmo, with his loving wife Luba by his side, passed away on February 23, 2023, as a result of an illness contracted in 2022.

Bill was born in Rome, on February 11, 1949, the son of Salvatore and Alice Thomas Guglielmo. He attended Harvey E. Alter Elementary School, Staley Junior High School, and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1967.  He then graduated from Morrisville College in 1969 and the University of Buffalo in 1971. His father passed away in 1995 and his mother, age 98, is currently living in the Rome Health Residential Health Care Facility. He began working at the Rome Chamber of Commerce in 1973, and retired 50 years later in 2023. He started as a staff assistant and later was promoted to Director of Government Affairs & Membership Development, Administrator, Executive Vice President, and President in 1996.

During his career at the Chamber, the Board of Directors had the foresight to provide educational opportunities for the staff. Bill participated in major programs dealing with multiple facets of chamber of commerce management, including financial operations, sales, marketing, promotion, and advocacy. He graduated from the 6-year Institute of Organization Management program sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, each held for one week in June, at the University of Notre Dame. He was a member of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Business Council of NYS, and the Mohawk Valley Alliance of Chambers of Commerce and Affiliate Partners, a 23-member organization that consists of 12 chambers and 11 business organizations in our six-county region. Bill also was a member or participant serving on various local/regional organizations and involved in numerous community-wide events and activities. He often said during his 50-year career with the Rome Chamber how he thoroughly enjoyed working with the dedicated membership who volunteered their time, talent, and resources, offering programs promoting business opportunities and encouraging economic growth in Rome and the region.

While growing up, Bill loved the family life afforded to him by his parents including the many opportunities for learning and recreational enjoyment in Boy Scouts Troop 11, as well as constantly being able to be outside year-round with the kids in the neighborhood, getting to know a lot about people and social interaction. Throughout his working career there was always time after hours to have fun with old friends and new friends.

The love he and Luba (Postoy) shared was the best thing that ever happened to Bill. They were happiest at all times when in the embrace of one another’s arms. They eloped in 2000 and were married in Florida at Crystal Beach by her sister, Lydia. Bill enjoyed guitar music and coming up with ideas for home improvement projects, many of which he and Luba were able to accomplish. They loved their home and experienced many unique challenges since 1995 when they moved in.

Bill leaves behind his dear wife, Luba; his loving mother, Alice; his brother, Dan (Deb), nieces and nephews, Kris, Bill (Nikki), Rob (Mona), and Emilie (Dom), and their children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, at 11 AM, at St. Peter’s Church.

Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM.

Contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the Rome College Foundation and Humane Society of Rome.