Classmates and Friends remember Guy Barattieri
Guy Barattieri was one of the nicest people that I have ever know, and that is saying a lot since I have not seen or spoken to him since graduating high school with him in 1988. I hate the fact that those of us who lost contact with him are now reminiscing in the wake of this death in Iraq, but this is the best way to pay tribute to him.

My favorite memory of Guy is when he was over at my house with my best friend and his ex-girlfriend Nicky Wood (Ritter) to celebrate our last day of school (sadly I can't remember if it was our last day as juniors or seniors!). Being the bright students that we were, we decided to shoot off of a couple of fireworks in my front yard. Needless to say, an accident occurred when one of the fireworks malfunctioned and hit Guy in the head, producing a little blood. Instead of whining or complaining about this ridiculous event, Guy was the first to laugh about it. That was the type of person he was; one to find the humor in any situation. While I did not keep up with him over the years, I know in my heart that he will be missed by every person whose lives he touched.

Alice (Fitzgerald) Drake, Class of 1988
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I was a classmate of Guy's at West Point. Almost 15 years ago to the day, I drove with Guy from West Point to Cincinnati to spend a long weekend in his hometown. It was a fun trip, and though she didn't know me, his Mom welcomed me into her house like we were old friends. That generous spirit must run deep in the Barattieri family because Guy had it also. Bear was a tremendous friend with a huge amount of drive and determination. I'm afraid that I don't have the skills necessary to convey what a tremendous loss this is for all of us who knew him.

Randy Eccleston   USMA, 92
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I've been struggling to come up with the right way to contribute to your online memorial and think the following sums up my sentiments most.... I had the honor of beginning my friendship with Guy Barattieri at  West Point in the fall of 1988.  As all of you who knew him would agree (in what I hope are many stories contributed to this site), Guy had an amazing capacity to live life to the fullest and a strong desire to dedicate his life to protecting all that he held dear.  Admittedly, these may seem as cliched qualities normally associated with military veterans.  However, when a person like Guy shows up with these qualities ingrained as his defining characteristics, you have to respect not only the man, but also the family, friends and community that shaped him prior to your knowing him.  For this, I want to thank his Cavalier teammates and friends for sharing Guy with us.  I am truly grateful and honored just to have called Guy my friend. I do look forward to reading your stories about his exploits at Purcell Marian, however, at this point, please accept my gratitude as we all work through this incredible loss. My thoughts and prayers to all the Barattieri family.

Kindest Regards,

Christopher F. Carr   USMA '92
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I remember the first day of school freshman year, we were in class introducing ourselves. Well, Guy gave this half smile and in his oh so deep voice said" Guy...(slight pause) Barattieri" Guy was very good looking. Over the years I got to be in a lot of classes with Guy. Yes, Guy had it all: looks, brains, playing for a Champion Football team, homecoming king, and even winning a car our senior year. But none of this ever went to his head! He was still Guy, still everyone's friend. The night I heard Guy had been killed, I cried ! We had lost such a great person! But I am comforted in knowing that he is at peace and in such a better place.

We should all thank Guy, for sacrificing his life, so that we may all live in freedom! So Thank You Guy! You will live on in my thoughts and in my heart.

Traci (Schlachter) Bradley,   Class of 1988
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I don't even know where to start, but I am not alone in my sadness.  This much I know to be true.   I'd known him since the first grade, and all through high school.  He was just a genuinely nice person.  An honorable man.  A kind man.  I can't wrap my head around the fact that he is gone.  It's much too soon.  It's so unfair.   I never thought I would be saying goodbye to someone that I can still see in my mind as a little kid I used to play with at recess.  I always thought of him with fondness, and I always will.  It breaks my heart when I think of his family and his wife and his daughter, who no longer have this man in their lives.  So I will keep them in my prayers, as I know we all will, and I wish I could do more.  But for now, I suppose this will have to be enough. I am blessed to have known this man- we all were.

April Barnes,   Purcell Marian '88
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When I heard the news of Guy Barattieri killed fighting for our freedom that we all currently enjoy my heart quickly became sick and I am still in disbelief. My heart goes out to the Barattieri family and to let you know that you are in my family's thoughts and prayers.  
 
It is hard to believe that it has been 22 years since we entered the castle as freshmen in high school. My earliest memories of Guy include sitting in homeroom together scrambling to complete homework assignments before the bell would ring.
 
After the state championship football season,  many of the seniors were graduating, Guy as a newly selected captain encouraged me to try out for the team. I along with many others on the football team appreciated Guy helping us get through Coach Woeste's difficult off season work out program. While all of us dreaded this particular time of the year Guy not only enjoyed it but thrived on it. He was the one that pushed many of us do one more bench press or finish running the "loop."
 
When the game was on the line,  and Coach Woeste would call your number, Guy would have the ability to make you relax by giving you that quick wink and say "Just like practice."   
 
Thank you and may you rest in peace.
 

Scott, Sara and Garrison Ault   Class of '88  
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Guy was my next door neighbor when I was growing up. I remember all times he was at our house acting as an older brother to me and brother. We both looked up to Guy alot.
 
My best memory of Guy, besides all the times we would come home and he would have all his buddies over playing basketball in our backyard, would be when he helped my dad out trying to get my sister out of the bathroom where she had locked the door and could not get it unlocked. They could not figure out how to unlock the door. Guy decided the only way to open it would be knocking it down. He ran full speed and tackled down our bathroom door.
 
Guy was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I wish I could have seen him more often. He will be missed by me and my entire family.
 

Sam Pierson,   Class of 2006
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I first met Guy when I started at Nativity in the 6 th Grade.  Only knowing one other person at Nativity, my first memory of Guy was on the kick ball field on the side of the church where we would play against the upper class.  I remember that during the game he kicked the ball on the roof of the church and then blamed it on me, the new kid.  Since that point we were good friends.   When we were in the 8 th grade, all of us had to write a note to each other and Guy wrote, “I can’t wait to get to PM and to start playing football.  Maybe we can set up a car pool or something.” 
 
One of the best memories I will always have is when we had our unofficial trip to Daytona Florida .  I believe about 10 of us went and stayed in a motel that is no longer standing.  We were on our way out to hit the beach, and all of a sudden a mouse ran across the room.  And guess who the first one on the bed yelling?  It was Guy….
 

Tony Panzeca   Class of 88
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While growing up, my brother Josh and I spent many of days at the Barattieri's.  Guy and Gina were our babysitters.  Josh and I thought the world of Guy.  We both really looked up to him and hoped to be like him one day.  I really thought he got a kick out of the two of us.  We went to all the Purcell football games, mainly to watch Guy.  He was really one of a kind!  Even though, he moved out of state I always never forgot about Guy.  He had that much of an impact on me when I was young.  My sympathy goes out to Guy's wonderful Mom, Pat, his sisters and the rest of his family.
 

Jeremy Ritter   Purcell Marian 1997
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Bear, what happened man.  Its hard to believe 20 years can go by with the blink of an eye but evidently it just did.  It truly seems like yesterday when we were all over at my house during football camp to give each other hair cuts.  We were out in my parents' garage & you were dumb enough to let me cut your hair with some old pair of electric shears.  The safety cover broke off when I was in the middle of giving you what was supposed to be a flat top & I cut a 3 inch airstrip across the top of your head.  I freaked.  I was so surprised I didn't know what to do but run.  You didn't even know what happen but knew it couldn't be good since all our buddies were laughing.  I dropped the shears and ran out of the garage as fast as I could.  You spent the next 10 minutes chasing me around the streets of Norwood with me laughing so hard I could barely run.  You refused to go completely bald so my sister trimmed up the "airstrip" into a perfect bald circle on the crown of your head.  You spent the first half of the football season looking like a deranged monk - classic.  It wasn't two months ago that I told that story for the thousandth time.  20 years...wow.
 
I'm proud of you Bear.  Proud as a friend, proud as a brother, proud as an American, proud to have even known you.  Thanks man. 
 

Matt Tepe   class of '87
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There's been a rock in my gut ever since my parents called to tell me the tragic news about Guy's death. The first image that came to mind about Guy was his smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his laugh. He had a way of making everyone feel comfortable around him, and he was also a bridge builder, bringing together different types of people in a common cause. Guy doesn't fit stereotypes: he has always been a genuinely good person who brought out the best in everyone around him. His love for family, friends and country was always evident.
 
When I read the press release from the Washington National Guard, I wasn't at all surprised to learn that he had been chosen as part of the forces that lead the march to Baghdad in 2003, nor that he had received the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Intrantryman's Badge.
 
I had a number of classes at the Castle with Guy, and I remember his intelligence and wit. I remember when he caught Mr. Hamm off guard with a rather creative definition of a dictator. Then there was the morning when he read his two-line poem "My name is Guy... I don't know why...." in Mrs. Ramey's English class.
 
I'll never forget the day he received the appointment to West Point -- it was great to see that others at the highest level of our government recognized his multi-faceted talent that had become so obvious to all of us. I guess we all reflect more after the death of a loved one. I take great comfort remembering that in times of struggle, Guy turned to his faith in God. In college, I received a letter from him shortly after he had injured himself playing football at West Point . He talked about how he was trying to put it all in perspective as he tried to figure out God's plan for his life. Now we seek an understanding of why this outstanding life was cut so short, in such terrible circumstances. We mourn a great man, a dear friend, and a true patriot.
 

Laura Luehrmann-Burdick   Class of 1988
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Sadly I did not see Guy much after graduation in 1988, and I could not believe the news when I heard that Guy had died. I met Guy in grade school at Nativity. We both grew up in Pleasant Ridge about a block from each other so our families knew each other for years. Throughout the years growing up we would be at each others houses. One thing I will always remember is the growth chart the Barattieri’s had in their kitchen door frame and having to get measured just about every time I was over.

One of my favorite memories of Guy is the time that he came over to our house shortly after one of his first days of football practice. I keep seeing him in our kitchen talking about his life goal to be an officer in the military and showing off his newly pierced ear. I remember my mother giving him a hard time about becoming an officer with that earring and asking him if she could borrow the other earring he wasn't using!

Knowing the type of person Guy was I knew he was most likely over in Iraq fighting for freedom, I just never though that this could happen to Guy. It is still hard to believe that he is now gone. Thank you Guy for being a friend, and even though we didn’t see each other in far too many years you will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Barattieri family.

BJ Taylor Class of 1988
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Hello to all of my fellow Cavalier Alum's, I would first like to send my regards to the parents, wife, child and siblings of Guy. My name is Staff Sgt Kenneth L. Hamilton class of 1988 and as a soldier who is currently stationed in Iraq. I send my deepest regards to all who knew Guy, he was a very special person who will truly be missed by all. When you are over here you don't always get to keep in touch with those that you love and have left behind, and you also don't get news from home sometimes until days after it has happened. That is the case here because I have just found out today 10/09/2006 that one of the best people in the world has fallen here in Iraq.

I would like to add something from a different point of view and I am sure that his fellow USMA classmates and those of us who have been here before or who are here now will understand a little more than some others. I am honored to have called Guy a friend and brother in arms, as he was one of the most genuine people I have ever known. If Guy considered you his friend there was nothing that he would not do for you or try to get done for you, but we all know that is just the type of person he was. As a soldier often times we are called upon to do things that others can not do, but that is a part of the job that we all accept. At those times when we are out here doing the jobs we have trained for we are not thinking of ourselves as hero's, we are here doing our job and protecting our Country and our way of life. I can't speak for Guy but I can tell you that he probably felt the same way as I do, and that is we don't do this for the fame or the money. We do this for all of the people that we love at home and we felt it is our duty to help protect those lives as well as those of our fellow American's.

I am deeply saddened by the death of Guy, but I am sure he would not have changed one minute of his life because he died doing the things that no one can ever take away from you and that is serving his Country, his God and his beloved United States Army. In closing I would like to once again send my regards to his family and tell you that I will keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers. I also ask that everyone who reads this please take one thing from this and that is that there is nothing good about war, but there are a lot of good people here who need your support and you prayers.

To Guy I would like to tell you that I will miss you brother and give you one final salute, HOOAH!!!!!

Kenneth Hamilton
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I have been privileged to know Guy since grade school. As I have reflected on my memories of him I realized how many moments there were and the influence he has had on my life. I thought I would share some of those here:

I remember everyone wanting to be on Guy’s team in gym class. He was a natural born leader.

We used to have snowball fights in Brian Brown’s backyard or at the Pleasant Ridge Park . Guy’s idea of a snowball fight was tackling you and mashing your face in the snow!

I remember acting with Guy in our 8 th grade “Tale of Two Cities”. Of course, he had the lead male role.

Guy, Chris Goetz, Trey Kalb, Brian Brown, and I used to make medieval weapons out of wood, cardboard, and anything else we could find and beat each other up. Guy made a crossbow that shot clothes pins with a big mail rubber band. He put different labels on the bow depending on how far he was pulling the clothespin back. The labels read things like “moderate pain”, “welt”, -you get the idea!

Once Chris, Trey, and I all tried to wrestle Guy at once. Didn’t work.

On a Boy Scout canoe trip, I was Guy’s canoe partner. We had to get out and push the canoe over some shallow rapids. I was in front and slipped. Instead of helping, I could see Guy just over the canoe with a slightly raised eyebrow and a mischievous look on his face, as he ran me over with the canoe!

I remember Guy getting a detention in Mr. Hamm’s history class after offering up his own off-color version of a definition for a dictator. (A cross between two things-left as an exercise for the reader!)

The last time I saw Guy was in Seattle in April of 2004. I was on a work trip and we were able to go out for dinner and a couple of beers. I was going through a pretty low time in my life and Guy’s company helped immensely. He was an amazing person but always humble and generous with his gifts. He set an example for everyone that knew him. This year my work allowed me the privilege of visiting the Space Shuttle Atlantis when it was on the launch pad about a month before the last flight. As I reflect on sitting in the commander’s seat, I know that the example of excellence Guy had set from my earliest memories of him played no small part in that opportunity. He was a great friend and I miss him more than words can explain.

David Rutishauser, Purcell Marian class of 1988.
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It's always a shame that to protect us from the worst of men, the best of men end up dying.

Kelly Pierson

Family Friend
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After reading so many great tributes to Guy, I thought I would also like to share a classic PM memory with my fellow Cavaliers. I believe it was our senior year when this incident occurred. The entire faculty and student body had gathered in the gymnasium to anxiously await the announcement of the lucky winner of one of our numerous raffles. The grand prize that day was a beautiful Ford that had been graciously donated by fellow Cavalier Woody Sander (Woody Sander Ford). Finally, the time arrived for the announcement. We all sat on pins and needles because everyone wanted to win. Then, the announcer said, “The winner of the 1988 Ford is Guy Barattieri”. The student body erupted in applause and laughter because our classmate and friend was about to receive what any high school student would want. However, when an excited Guy walked down to get into his “new ride” he seemed to have some trouble. To all who had the chance to know such a great person would understand why Guy had such a difficult time getting into that 1988 FORD FESTIVA!!

Guy, I will never forget you and you will always be a hero to all and a GREAT FRIEND OF MINE!!!!!

Johnathan E. Joiner Class of 88

Please continue to pray for the Barattieri family and friends as well as all serving abroad.
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Although I am not a graduate of Purcell Marian HS, I am a good friend of Bear's and just wanted to let all of you, with such fond memories of a fine and upstanding young man, know that as a grown man he was nothing short of the epitome of a US Soldier and all that entails. He was honorable, trust worthy, and dedicated to you as a citizen of the United States. I know he died doing what he truly believed in and I also know that I am a far better person for knowing him.

Chris Chun  LTC, USA
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When I heard about Guy’s death I was in shock. When I watched the video clip of his funeral in Seattle I cried. Things like this aren’t supposed to happen to good people…and Guy was a great person. He was kind, understanding, funny…and good looking! He was friends with everyone which made him even more special.

I have many fond memories of Guy, but what I think about the most is when we dated in high school and I would go to his house to watch movies but we never got through a single one. We would end up talking and laughing the whole time. He was so much fun to be around. Did you know he liked to write poems? He used to write poems for me. He liked to express his feelings that way. I wonder if he continued to do so throughout the years.

The last time I saw Guy was a few years ago at Starbucks. We sat down for a while and did some catching up. He was happy. When we hugged and said goodbye I didn’t know it would be the last time I would see him. I will miss you Guy, but I believe you are in a better place and that we will meet again some day.

Nicky (Wood) Ritter, Class of 1988

My thoughts and prayers go out to Guy’s wife, child and Barattieri family.
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I am Guy Barattieri's family dentist in Seattle. I was absolutely devistated to hear the news of his death. He and his wife have been fun getting to know since they have a lot in common with my husband and myself. My husband is also a Cincinnati native and graduated from St. Xavier H.S. I am a class of '88 grad ( Indianapolis - Bishop Chatard). And we just had a new baby one month after Odessa was born. We ran into Guy and his family shortly after their baby was born and he was happier than I had ever seen him.

From the brief time that I was aquainted with Guy I felt that he was a special person, but it was confirmed to me as I read the wonderful tributes and funny stories posted on the Purcell website. My heart goes out to Guy's family and friends.

Melissa Leone, DDS
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I was only 2 years old when I was first introduced to “Guy Smiley” I was still very young but I can remember Guy coming over to hang out in our basement with my big brother, Tommy. There is a story behind the name “Guy Smiley.” This is a story I will never forget and always be able to tell. I was young and an avid fan of the show Sesame Street. One of the character’s names was Guy Smiley, who was the game show host. From then on Guy “Bear” was also known as “Guy Smiley” in the Stadtmiller house.

Our prayers go out to the Barattieri family…

Annie Stadtmiller Class of 2003
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We were stunned and saddened to hear about the death of Guy Barattieri.  Our thought and prayers go out to the Barattieri Family.

We remember Guy as a person everyone at the Castle looked up to and respected.  His memory and impressions he has made on everyone will last forever in the hearts of all the Cavaliers. Thanks to Guy and all the military for their dedication and sacrifices to this great country.  

Brian and Beth (Momper) Thamann - Class of 1989
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Dear Guy,

The fun times we had together were spread amongst just a few short and fast years, and I'd like to say "Thank You".

Thank you for your hospitality during the blast of a weekend we had in Philadelphia at the Army/Navy game back in 1990.  Next time, open the hotel room door when we knock late at night so we don't have to call Security.

Thank you for getting us into the Ballroom Party in downtown Cincinnati that 1989 New Year's Eve night when the two of us lost our tickets.  Your plan to "crash the gate" and enter the party by devising the story that we were "in the band" worked like a charm.  I still shake my head and smile wondering how you got it done.  All I know is you got it done.

Thank you for taking care of me in Louisville during the Kentucky Derby of 1988.  I don't know who else would have or could have driven me to the hospital at midnight and sat in the waiting room for 4 hours while they sewed 52 stitiches in my face.  I am deeply indebted.

Thank you for serving Our Country so proudly and so well.  I felt safer knowing that a man like you was working to protect me and my Family.  It bothers me that this "war" in Iraq is where you made the ultimate sacrifice.  

Finally, Thank You for the inspiration - back then, now, and until the day I die.  Until we meet again Brother, I am sorely missing you.

Dan Badinghaus   

Class of 1981
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I can't believe this has happened, but being at that service on Tuesday made me realize what I think is now obvious to us all. Never assume there will be another meeting with loved ones.

Guy you were my friend, teammate, classmate, and "bro" for a lot of years.

I know you were there on Tuesday and I know we all will love and miss you even more (if that is possible).

You are and always have represented what each and every one of us strive to be  as a father, as a friend, and as a leader. I will never forget you bro and you can bet we will take care of business here and make sure your family is taken care of.

We will meet again in a much happier place and if I know you, you and Wysong are together looking down on each and every one of us.

Godspeed my friend I am so glad we had our times together.

Murray 1988
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Guy Barattieri was the first friend I made on my first day of school, freshman year at Purcell Marian. He sat next to me in Mr. Hamm’s Latin class and the next thing I knew, we were fast friends and he was out scouting homecoming dates for me! Many years have passed since then and many friends have been lost to distance and time, but Guy was always one of those people I never stopped wondering about. Every so often something would remind me of him and I’d promise myself I’d look him up; one day I finally did…
Shortly after returning from Iraq myself, a mutual friend informed me that Guy had returned to the Army and was probably in the desert again. I made short work of tracking down an email address and an hour later there he was, chatting me up like we’d spoken just yesterday. He had also just returned from Iraq and would be heading back shortly. We filled each other in on 17 years of history (is that possible?!) and I realized that nothing had changed. Bear was still the fun-loving, friendly, mischievous football player who knocked down bathroom doors, snuck people into parties, and bore the shame of a seriously bad haircut with spirit and laughter (I actually remember that haircut, Matt); but he was also still the friend who’d watch over and protect you, listen and guide you, or just plain help anyone and everyone he could.

The morning the news of Bear’s death broke, I received the last email he’d ever send to me and I felt his loss profoundly. It was a very newsy email. He was excited. He was happy. He wrote that he’d just become a father to a stunning little girl named Odessa! He chattered on about settling into his house in Seattle with Laurel and family after months of home renovations and asked when I’d be up for a visit - a trip I sorely regret not having made sooner. He talked of the year ahead and said he’s just gotten back to the fight…

Guy Barattieri is not someone people forget. He was the kind of man other men want to be. His loss will be felt by anyone who ever knew him and I am lucky to have been one of those people.

Captain Tracy Glazer

US Air Force

(Would-be) Class of 1989
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