Donald Guerrieri-September 23

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Donald Guerrieri of Pelham, New York, passed away on September 23, 2025. He was 78 years old. Born in Mt. Vernon, NY to Peter & Pearl (Arciero) Guerrieri, Donald was one of 3 Children. Donald graduated from Iona Preparatory School and attended Villanova University. Donald and his wife Patricia (Keller) were high school sweethearts and married in October 1968. Don and Pat are lifelong Pelham residents where they raised their 3 children (Donald Jr, Michele, & Megan).

Don had a full career experience, his first job out of college was working as a sales rep for Almay makeup company and later as an insurance adjuster for All State. However, Don is most well known for being the owner and operator of Bendovers, a favorite bar in Pelham where "Silliness Counts" that first opened in 1974. Bendovers was not just a bar, it was a place where friends turned into family and the good times rolled into the wee hours. Don loved his friends & patrons of the bar. He frequently reminisced on all the memories he made with his buddies, pulling pranks, getting into mischief, and letting us know there are some stories that he will be taking to the grave with him. After Bendovers closed, Don finished his career working for the Teamsters Local 814.

Don was a man of "useless" knowledge and could start a conversation with almost anyone making him a remarkable bartender & bar owner. He was a kind and generous man, who had a knack of making you feel welcomed whether at the bar or at any function or event. He would give you the shirt off his back, but also was not afraid to call a wrong a wrong. He was a diehard Yankee fan and idolized Mickey Mantle. He was a lover of all music- he had an appreciation for a well written lyric and his favorite artist was Tom Waits. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing rugby and softball; Bendovers even sponsored many Pelham Men's & Women's softball teams over the years.

He loved his family more than anything. He always said the best decision he ever made was marrying Pat and was so proud of his kids & grandkids. Don will be remembered as the guy with a quick-witted sense of humor, kindhearted, and a loyal husband, father, & friend.

Don is survived by his wife, Pat (Keller) and his children Donald Jr. (Karen Vaccaro), Michele (Paul) Bloom, Megan (Marty) Richardson. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Theodore & Nathaniel Bloom, Josephine, Vivian, Brooke & Antoinette Richardson and his grand-pups: Fonzy, Mrs. Jones, Bailey, Hank & Topper. He is predeceased by his parents, Pop Pete & Pearlie Guerrieri and his older brother, Peter Guerrieri, Jr. He will be missed by his older sister, Denise LaPera, along with his nieces & nephews and all that loved him.

Last call and as always, no cover charge- a celebration of Don's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham, NY on September 26, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.

Editor's note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.