BENTON – William Phillip Guite, 78, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical in Portland, on Dec. 4, 2023, with his family at his side.

Bill will be remembered most for his love and kindness to all – family, friends, animals, neighbors, and even the students he had to discipline at school. Truly, his heart was much bigger than he was.

He often shared his biggest accomplishment in life was to see his two sons grow up to be compassionate human beings and blessed to have a devoted wife of 53 years that loved and stood by him till his last moments.

Bill was born in Waterville on Sept. 19, 1945, the son of the late Renaud and Yvette Constance (Gousse) Guite. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School in 1963 and the University of Maine in 1967. He was an active member and officer of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He earned a Masters in Mathematics at St. Louis University as well as a Masters degree in Education from The University of Southern Maine in 1982.

Bill started his teaching career at The John Philip Sousa Junior High School in Port Washington, Long Island, NY. After five years, he moved back to Maine and taught an additional 33 years at Winslow Junior High School, enjoying his role as Assistant Principal for the last 20+ years before retiring in 2005. Bill was instrumental in obtaining grant money for the at-risk students to experience life-changing trips he led in the remote Allagash Waterway, with the goal of keeping these students in school, out of trouble, and to finally graduate. Bill’s motto for dealing with difficult students was always to be Firm, Fair, Friendly, and Forgiving. He believed in giving many chances for success.

In his retirement, Bill enjoyed life to the fullest by spending most of his free time outdoors with nature and animals and always interested in house projects. He loved to dog sit and spend time with his sons and grandsons. He also continued to serve on the Benton Comprehensive committee, Clear Channel Community committee, and Maine Association of Retirees.

He is survived by his soulmate and love of his life for more than 53 years, his wife, Gloria (Angeloni) Guite; two sons Ryan J. Guite of Nashville, Tenn. and Dean W. Guite of Wilmington, NC; two grandsons (Dean’s children) Tristan 10, and Cameron 9; sister Margaret Holland of Plattsburgh, NY, sister-in-law Ginger Guite of Atlanta, Ga., sister/brother-in-law Palmira and Gino Fiasche of Montreal, Canada; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was predeceased by Patricia Pooler, sister, and Renaud Guite, brother.

The family would like to especially thank niece, Wendy Dugal, for the support and care she has constantly graced the family with. Our thanks would not be complete without mentioning the almost 50 years of friendship with Tom and June York of Waterville. We also extend thanks to the Maine Transplant team and Maine Medical hospital staff on R5 for their kindness, compassion, and exceptional care in treating us all like their own family.

A memorial mass will take place at Notre Dame church in Waterville in the spring with a reception to follow to share stories and laughter of Bill’s life.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made in his name to the:

Maine Transplant Program

43 Baxter Blvd.

Portland, ME 04101 or:

Waterville Humane Society

100 Webb Rd.

Waterville, ME 04901