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SALEM – Mr. Robert J. Guerriero 90, of Salem, beloved husband of Christine M. (Sullivan) Guerriero, died peacefully Friday, November 18th, 2022 at Salem Hospital after a valiant battle with illness.
Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, he was the son of the late Jerry and Louise (Ruscitto) Guerriero. Raised by his incredible aunt, Anna (Auntana) and her husband, Nicholas Pacelli. He was educated in the Saratoga Springs, NY and Schenectady, NY schools and was a graduate of Christian Brothers School. He continued his education earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Sienna College.
An honorably discharged veteran, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War.
Mr. Guerriero began as a professional department store buyer for the former Hecht Co in Washington DC, Lit Brothers in Philadelphia, and A&S in Brooklyn. He was appointed Director of Advertising for Shetland Vacuum and in 1968, he founded The Journeymasters, where he was currently President & Executive Director.
Mr. Guerriero was ahead of his time in many ways. He was a true innovator in the incentive travel and the marketing industry. As a pioneer creating a totally new business, Bob was well respected throughout the world. By offering incentive travel programs to Fortune 500 companies, The Journeymasters allowed these companies to reward their exceptional performers with once in a lifetime travel experiences. He was often thanked for helping these companies drive performance to new and great heights.
Bob was a renaissance man and true creative genius. He loved to create once in a lifetime experiences for his clients. From toga parties in Rome, magical dinners on the Orient Express, and the first dinner at the foot of the David statue in Florence, if he dreamt it, it became a reality through his hard work and professional acumen.
Highly respected throughout the Incentive Travel Industry, Mr. Guerriero was 1 of 4 founders and the 1st full term President of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives. He was the 1st President of the SITE Foundation and the recipient of the SITE - Lifetime Achievement Award. He was named an honorary citizen of Venezuela and named Tourist Personality of the year for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He served 7 years on the IT&ME Advisory Council and 10 years on the Las Vegas Corporate & Incentive Travel Council. A true grandfather of the Incentive Travel Industry, throughout his career he was credited with too many “Firsts” to mention. He was a true pioneer and trailblazer in the industry. There is a long list of people Bob graciously mentored and changed their lives. Bob taught all he knew to be the best at what they do.
Bob endeared himself to many with his vivacious personality and creativity. He had a wonderful sense of humor. A brilliant man in many respects, Bob’s talents lead him to write poetry, prose and "smoking hot emails". He was loyal, generous and a deeply principled gentleman. He will be missed deeply and his mark on this earth is forever engrained in the memories he allowed others to create through his hard work and ingenuity.
Bob had a love of football and hosted famous Super Bowl Parties in his Mahogany Boardroom.
Yet above all else, he was a caring and devoted husband. He and his beloved wife, Christine, travelled extensively throughout the world, enjoying every moment and experience together. They were truly a great team and their love for one another was genuine. Love Abides.
In addition to his beloved wife, Bob has three additional women who became part of his family. Ileana Rousseau, who generously and selflessly donated half of her liver to Bob in 2002, allowing him to enjoy 20 more years of his good life. Journeymasters, Kris Sierra ("Wife #2") and Nancy Coletti ("Wife #3") whom Bob enjoyed working with for over 30 years.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Christine M. (Sullivan) Guerriero, sisters, Mary Lou Guerriero and Mary Ann Sinnenberg, mother-in-law, Shirley Sullivan, sisters-in-law, Cynthia Fortier and husband, Paul and Ciara O’Keefe. Many nieces and nephews and extended family including his cherished nieces, Kailagh, Courtney, and Kathleen O’Keefe with whom he shared a special closeness. Predeceased by brother, Sylvester, sister, Rita and husband, Albert, cousins, Arthur Pacelli and wife, Katerina (alive), Eugene and Katherine Pacelli, and Anthony Pacelli. He was the father of the late Keith Guerriero and his wife, Lori, and daughters, Roberta Wilson and husband, Peter, and Marcella Guerriero.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Monday, Nov. 28th at 10:15 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours Sunday, Nov. 27th from 3 to 7 P.M. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Robert’s memory to the American Liver Foundation at liverfoundation.org. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
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