Joseph Guenther

Joseph Charles Guenther , 59, of Key Largo, Florida, passed away May 16, 2021. He was born February 21, 1962 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to John F. Guenther Jr. and Zelma (Klein) Guenther.

A kind, fun loving man with a big heart, Joe had a zest for life, living in the moment, and enjoying every day. His passion for being out on the water and marine life only grew since the summers he spent paddling a pirogue on Lake Pontchartrain while growing up in New Orleans. Joe loved the ocean, its coral reefs, and marine life. He was a lifelong snorkeler and diver.

After high school, Joe started out working in an aquarium shop, went to the Florida Keys to try his hand at collecting tropical fish for the shop, and was hooked. He moved to Key Largo. Self taught, over the next 40 years, he developed tremendous knowledge of aquatic life and sustaining that life in aquariums for people to enjoy. He developed a novel filtration system for saltwater aquariums. Joe built his company, Sanctuary Aquariums, to become one of the Keys’ leading saltwater aquarium design, construction, and maintenance businesses. At the end of his life, Joe was dreaming of his brother Tom moving to Key Largo to join him in his business.

Never one to care for material things, Joe knew not all treasure is gold. He was happiest in shorts and flip flops, spending time with the people in his life, including his longtime girlfriend, Roxanne Siravo. Aside from his boat, his only valued possessions were a couple of guitars. Joe loved the great rock guitarists and enjoyed entertaining people while playing in bands with his cousin and friends before the Keys called. While Joe left us too soon, he did so doing what he loved, out on his boat.

Born and raised Catholic, Joe returned fervently to his faith in the last few years of his life, serving his local parish with his heart and his hands.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include siblings Therese Randazzo, Thomas Guenther (Lisa Cregut), Robert Guenther (Keith Theriot), Gerard Guenther (Joan), Fred Guenther (Virginia), Mary Gallimore (Steve).

Memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021 at St. Justin Martyr Church.

Celebration of life at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Caribbean Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coral Reef Foundation at www.coralrestoration.org/donations