Scott Guzzo, an advocate for the disabled and beloved community member, died Monday at 39.
Robert "Scott" Guzzo, an Evansville advocate for the disabled and beloved community member, died Monday in hospice care. He was 39.
The 2004 Central High School graduate was a volunteer at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and previously worked at Roberts Stadium, Ford Center and Old National Events Plaza.
He was born Aug. 5, 1983, in Indianapolis to Paula and Bob Guzzo. The family later moved to Evansville. His mother shared the news of Scott's death on social media where hundreds of community members sent messages of love.
His fun spirit, humor and compassion ringing throughout most of the comments from people that knew him.
At 10, Guzzo was diagnosed with a Crane-Heise syndrome, a disease affecting fewer that 1,000 people in the U.S. Guzzo was born with a cleft palate, enlarged tongue, ate through a feeding tube, required hearing aids and had difficulty seeing.
However, he didn't allow his disabilities to stop him from living a full life. If anything, friends said, it contributed to a big personality that he was known for.
He was the first EVSC student with multiple disabilities to be attend mainstream classes in an inclusive setting at Stockwell Elementary, Highland Elementary and Thompkins Middle School before graduating from Central.
The success from his inclusive learning led to Scott being invited as a guest to the White House during President Bill Clinton's signing of the 1997 Reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
In 2017, his parents created a scholarship in his honor that assists an EVSC senior who pursues a degree in a field related to disability issues like special education, therapy or disability related studies.
And going to the White House wasn't the only cool thing he did. In 2004, he was privileged to carry the 2004 Olympic torch and in 2016, he carried the Indiana Bicentennial torch. He met A-list celebrities from Cher to Tim Robbins.
He was known for his love of music and taught himself how to play piano using two fingers. He was known as "The Mayor" for famously spinning and squealing his wheels on his powerchair to the song "Wipeout" at the annual Children's Craniofacial Retreat.
He is survived by his parents, his brother Aaron, his fianceé Sandy Rather, and several family members.
A celebration of his life will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 4100 Millersburg Road with the Rev. Dale Beaver officiating. A meal will follow immediately after the church. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, which was Scott's favorite color.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Family and friends mourn passing of Robert 'Scott' Guzzo of Evansville
