John Guidubaldi
John Guidubaldi
John Guidubaldi was a retired school psychologist and educator from Kent State University, first in the Counseling & Personnel Department, then as chair of the Department of Early Childhood Education before retiring as professor in 1994.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Guidubaldi; children Anna, Joseph, Maria and Eva; daughter-in-law Lisa Ruark (Kip); grandchildren Bailey Madison Timothy and Michael Eltman; as well as sister Phyllis Wing.
Early Life and Education
John Guidubaldi was born in Girard, Ohio to Louis and Julia Guidubaldi. After a distinguished career in school psychology and academia that included twelve years as chair of Kent State University’s Early Childhood Education department, service in the U.S. Naval Academy, and earning his doctorate from Harvard University, he retired to Florida in 2005.
He gained national attention for his studies of children of divorce. He and Joseph Perry discovered that those without parental involvement were more likely to abuse drugs, commit violent acts, take their lives and bear children out of wedlock – results which should stoke lawmakers across America to pass laws which give these kids a fighting chance in life.
Professional Career
John Guidubaldi’s professional career spanned six decades. A Naval Academy graduate, Harvard graduate, and professor by profession, his body of work was extensive; but what truly distinguished him were his contributions to school psychology.
At age 82, he tragically succumbed to lung cancer at his beloved Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Florida – home of the Space Coast Aero Club. Visitation will be held at Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange on Wednesday November 17th from 6:00-8:00 PM, followed by a stirring funeral service at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Daytona Beach at 8:30 AM.
Achievements and Honors
John Guidubaldi was a true Renaissance man, accomplishing many incredible things throughout his long and illustrious career. He co-founded the Portage County Family Counseling and Mental Health Center with his brother Charles, Ohio; additionally, he served as president of the National Association of School Psychologists. He served as director of a 700 family nationwide NASP-KSU study on divorce and child adjustment, and co-authored a book with Marvin R. Koller on the social psychology of childhood. He is survived by his wife Julie and their four children: Anna, Joseph, Maria and Eva; his first wife Betty and children John (Brenda), Lisa Ruark (Kip) and Dina Guidubaldi (Thomas); his grandchildren Bailey Ruark (Tony), Madison Ruark, Timothy Ruark and Michael Eltman; sister Phyllis Wing and brother David Guidubaldi; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Personal Life
Born in Girard, Ohio to Louis and Julia Guidubaldi, John retired to Port Orange, Florida in 2005 after a distinguished career in school psychology and academia. His many accolades include twelve years as chair of Kent State University’s Early Childhood Education department; service as a Midshipman in the U.S. Naval Academy; and receipt of his doctorate in Education and Human Development from Harvard.
He is survived by his wife Julie and their four children, Anna, Joseph, Maria and Eva; as well as John (Brenda), Lisa Ruark (Kip) and Dina Guidubaldi (Thomas); grandchildren Bailey Ruark (Tony), Madison Ruark, Timothy Ruark and Michael Eltman; sister Phyllis Wing (David); brother David Guidubaldi; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday November 17th 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church on Thursday November 18th 2021 at 8:30 PM.