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Obituaries
William Leo Guerin
William Leo Guerin, 76, passed away in his home on Friday, July 26, 2024. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was a lifelong Bears and White Sox fan. He graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary South and subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology and a master’s degree in industrial relations from Loyola University Chicago. It was there that he met Mary Anne Creighton, who would become his wife of 54 years. In 1978, they moved to Newport News, Virginia, where Bill accepted a position in Labor Relations at Newport News Shipbuilding. In his 34 years with the Company, Bill played an integral role in the union negotiation, arbitration, and dispute resolution processes. Bill retired in 2013. In 2019, he and Mary Anne moved to Colonial Heritage in Williamsburg, Virginia, where Bill could golf to his heart’s content.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William S. and Catherine L. Guerin. He is survived by his wife Mary Anne, his daughter Amy, and his son Bill.
The family will receive friends at Peninsula Funeral Home on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The inurnment will be private. In memory of Bill, contributions may be made to the Reinhart Guest House, located at 1100 Libbie Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226.
6 Comments
I was fortunate to work with Bill during my career at NNS. He was excellent in his work, taught me so much about labor relations and made me a better leader through his guidance and advice. I will always hold him in the highest regard. I’ll toast his life and legacy with one of his favorite beverages, a Manhattan. My deepest condolences to the family and may his memory be a blessing and bring them peace and comfort.
Bill was a good friend for many years after he started working at the Shipyard. Had many get togethers for dinner, and played a whole lot of golf together. My deepest condolences to his wife Mary Anne and his children Amy, and Bill. God Bless you’ll.
Bill’s ability in golf was exceeded only by his skill in negotiation. A true southern gentleman from Chicago.
It was my pleasure to work for Bill for several years. His advice and guidance were always appreciated and was always on the mark. He had a quick wit and used it to defuse some tense moments which arise almost daily in the labor relations world.
Hattie and I send deepest sympathy to Mary Ann and the children. Bill and I worked very closely together for a dozen years. We had a busy time of as the Shipyard was growing and adding employees. The Yard had just been unionized and we were in the midst of it with new challenges. We worked well together and had a good friendship. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was a good friend. Ed Merkling
I was very sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. We worked together for 25+ years. He was a very good man and a consummate professional whose company I always enjoyed. My condolences to Mary Anne and family. Willis Goldsmith