William Guitar

William J. “Bill” Guitar, 86, passed away in Las Vegas, NV, on August 4, 2026, after a brave battle with Dementia, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service, deep faith, and devotion to his family and community.

Born on August 16, 1939, in Whitehall, New York, Bill graduated from Whitehall High School in 1958. He spent his life in service to others, beginning with his time in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves, from which he was honorably discharged. His law enforcement and public safety career included service as a Deputy with the Whitehall Police Department and as Town Justice for Whitehall. He also worked for the New York State Department of Canals before beginning a 33-year career with the New York State Department of Corrections, retiring in 1994. Moving west to Lake Havasu City, AZ in 1996, Bill spent another 29 years working in Safety and Accounting at the London Bridge Resort.

On October 8, 1960, Bill married the love of his life, Elaine I. Guitar (Ely), at Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Whitehall, NY. Together, they shared 65 cherished years of marriage. Over his lifetime, Bill called several communities home, residing 43 years in Whitehall, NY, 13 years in Glenwood, NY, and 30 years in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Faith and service were central to Bill’s life. He served as an Usher and Extraordinary Minister at both Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Colden, NY, and Our Lady of the Lake in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Bill was an honorary lifetime member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, having served as Grand Knight for Council 276 in Whitehall, NY. He was a Major in the Civil Air Patrol. Squadron 501, in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and an active member of the Elk’s Lodge. In his early years, Bill generously volunteered his time with the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department, the Skenesborough Emergency Squad as an EMT, Whitehall Elk’s Lodge 1491, and after moving, the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival, and the Lake Havasu Visitor Center.

An avid outdoorsman and sports fan. Bill loved playing golf and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. When he was younger, he hunted for deer, fished for trout, as well as went ice fishing on South Bay in New York with his brothers.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William I. Guitar and Katherine E. Guitar (Manell); son, Joseph W. Guitar; his brothers, Glendon O. Guitar and Benjamin D. Guitar; and his sister-in-law, Judith A. Vaughn.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine I. Guitar; daughter, Lynn M. Jeremiah; granddaughter, Natalee E. Jeremiah; and many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family invites you to a reception in St. Joseph’s Hall after Mass and military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, www.alzfdn.org, where their mission is to help educate and provide support to anyone affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Please use this link: https://givebutter.com/in-memory-of-william-j-guitar-tmcjxe to donate directly in memory of him.