ELKHART -- Albert John "Butch" Guantonio Jr., 64, of Elkhart, died at 9:42 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 26, 2010) in Elkhart General Hospital of complications from lung cancer.

He was born Feb. 18, 1945, in Rochester, Pa., to Albert John Guantonio Sr. and Mary (Plume) Guantonio. On Feb. 19, 1966, he married Ernestine Mannerino at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Beaver Falls, Pa.

She survives along with one son, John M. (Carrie) Guantonio of Elkhart; three granddaughters; two stepgrandchildren; one sister, Mary Ann Hinzman of Grand Prairie, Texas; and one brother, Lewis (Delores) Guantonio of Monaca, Pa.

Albert was preceded in death by his daughter, Stacy L. Holdred, on Dec. 7, 1998; his parents; and his grandmother, Rose Plume, who helped raise him.

Albert had just retired from Anco Products after 28 years of service. He loved working on and collecting antique cars, spending time with his family and grandchildren, and had been known to go to the casinos occasionally with his wife, Ernestine, who has known him since they were both 15 years old and living in the Monaca, Pa., area. Albert was raised in the Catholic faith.

The family moved to Elkhart in 1974.

A gathering of family and friends will be today, Jan. 29, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Billings Funeral Home located at 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Cremation will follow.

Memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, 23971 U.S. 33, Elkhart, IN 46517. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.