Arthur Philip Guiffre

Arthur “Art” Philip Guiffre passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 5, 2025, at the Franklin Rehabilitation Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia. He was 88 years old.

Art was born on April 22, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York. In 1956, he joined the United States Navy as a musician in the Navy Band, serving for 12 years. In 1968, he and his wife, Wendy, along with their three children, moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Africa, where Wendy had grown up. After returning to the United States, Art rejoined the Navy in 1976, serving for another eight years before retiring in 1984. He continued his commitment to public service by working with Fairfax County in Northern Virginia for five more years before retiring for good.

Art enjoyed several hobbies and activities throughout his life. He enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball and his favorite position was pitcher. Art also enjoyed ballroom and square dancing, and loved to play cards including bridge, poker and many other card games. He was especially fond of poker. Art played the trombone and baritone while in the Navy and taught himself to play both piano and trumpet, which he continued to play as a member of a community band until he was in his eighties. Art was also passionate about spending time outside and working in his garden. He planted as many trees as could and cared for them.

Art is survived by his wife, Wendy Guiffre; his children, Karen Thompson, Chris Guiffre, and Stephen Guiffre; and his grandchildren, Stephen Thompson, Devin Young, Owen Guiffre, Piper Guiffre, Elise Guiffre, and Sam Guiffre. He is also survived by his siblings Joseph Guiffre, William Guiffre, Guy Anthony Guiffre, Marie Young, and David Guiffre.

A private ceremony will be held to celebrate his life.

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