CORONA — Family, friends and neighbors gathered Saturday to rename the corner of 104th Street and 48th Avenue after Edward Guida, Sr., a city marshal and funeral home director remembered as a kind and generous guardian of Corona.
The rain held out for the outdoor ceremony, something noted by many officials who spoke as the influence of Guida — who brought joy and sunshine wherever he went. He died suddenly on May 2, 2014.
"Every time we walk on Edward Guida's street, we walk in the footsteps of a wonderful and extraordinary person," said Father Carlos Agudelo, who joined elected officials, friends and family members to speak.
Assemblyman Francisco Moya, a close friend of the Guida family, held back tears while remembering the man he said lived a full life taking care of others.
"Ed was a champion for this community," he said. "I have the privilege of calling him my friend."
Senator Jose Peralta joked about his influence in the neighborhood — saying it was already his town, but now there's officially a street for him
"When you knew Ed, your life was better," he said.
Guida, Sr. was remembered Saturday morning as much for what he didn't do than what he did. As a city marshal, he had the often dangerous and uncomfortable job of evicting people from their businesses and apartments.
But he had an unofficial rule to slow his jobs down in November and December, making sure families spent the holidays in their homes, Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland said.
Wife Mary Guida, standing with her son Eddy Guida, Jr., said she missed her husband every day — and the street renaming was a fitting honor for him, across from "Corona Beach," where he spent many passing days outside smoking a cigar.
Before revealing the new street sign, friend and community leader Al Perna lit up a stogie in Guida's honor at the podium, joking about the specific brand and wrappers Guida always requested.
"This is for you, Ed," he said, while lifting it into the air.
Guida's Sister Wears Shirt in His Honor
"I miss him so much," Margaret "Honey" Grillo said of her brother, who passed away in 2014.
Assemblyman Moya Remembers Close Friend Ed Guida
Assemblyman Francisco Moya, a close friend of the Guida family, said Ed lived a full life.
Mary Guida Speaking About her Husband
Mary Guida, joined by her son, Junior, remembered her husband before his street renaming in Corona on May 7, 2016.
Al Perna Lifts a Cigar for Ed Guida
Al Perna lit a cigar in honor of Ed Guida at his street renaming.
Family and Friends Reveal Street Sign for Edward Guida
Family, friends and officials pull down the covering to reveal "Edward F. Guida Sr. Way" in Corona on May 7, 2016.
Family and Friends Watch the Street Renaming
Family and friends gathered on 104th Street to watch the street renaming for Ed Guida, Sr.
Edward Guida Sr. Way in Corona
The corner of 104th Street and 48th Avenue has officially been renamed in honor of Edward Guida, Sr.