Michael William Guzy, passed away on November 5, 2023 of natural causes at the age of 74 at his home in St. Louis, Missouri.
Mike, Bill, Guzy and “The Professor” were just a few of his pseudonyms. He was born on February 2, 1949, to Elmer Guzy and Dee Guzy (Huggins). He graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science & Government from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and a Master’s Degree, Master of Arts Political Science.
Mike proudly served as the Chief Deputy St. Louis Sheriff’s Department, Detective Sergeant at St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, authored a weekly column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis Beacon for 11 years. He was also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Missouri- St. Louis.
He has been interviewed on the TODAY Show, Hannity & Colmes and regularly appeared on St. Louis news stations as an expert in his field.
He leaves behind his four daughters, Michaela Guzy, Maura Guzy, Meredith Guzy Turncliff and Maeve Guzy. His two granddaughters, Rita and Honora Turncliff. His two son-in-laws, Willam Turncliff and Alex Jones. His favorite daughter’s boyfriend, Jimmy Brennan. His favorite ex-wife, Maureen Gamp Guzy. His three siblings, Diana Gibbs, Brian Guzy and Megan Bajor and their spouses Curt Gibbs, Teri Guzy and Mark Bajor. He was a proud and active ex-brother-in law and served as Uncle Bill or Uncle Guzy to his 22 nieces and nephews, including his deceased nephew, Michael Guzy. For such a grump, Guzy had an extensive network of friends and loved ones extending from childhood, the force, The Romeo’s, fuzins (fake cousins), adopted family and from his favorite local watering holes in South City, most especially Stan’s.
He had a rare desire to leave St. Louis, except begrudgingly to see his family. Mike was the king of one liners, ranging from hilariously off kilter to strangely insightful. He wasn’t one for mincing words and he wasn’t going to waste time getting right to his opinion on the matter. If he liked you, you knew it and you were keenly aware when he didn’t – reference for example whether he called you ‘sport’ or ‘nose farmer’. Loyalty and honor were paramount.
Given his real life experience, his paranoia was somewhat understandable when it came to his four daughters. In earlier years he’d come home from “a night of chasing murderers” and would try and convince The Guzette’s not to go trick-o-treating for fear of the satanic worshippers, let their potential suitors know that no one would miss him should his said daughter not be home by her curfew and he’d throw his hands in disgust at the credit card bill featuring a purchase from Victoria’s Secret. Despite being as cuddly running into a cactus face first, he could always get a laugh and hold court in a crowd. Just when you thought he wasn’t listening he’d chime in with some well researched non-sequitur, one of his favorite topics being a disdain for Romaine lettuce. To quote from Guzwald family text chain on December 6, 2021 in reference to the Christmas dinner menu, “Romaine lettuce has killed more people than the AK-47. I will not imperil my loved ones at Yuletide…”
In honor of Mike’s will, there will not be a wake, in a direct quote from one of his more dramatic notarized documents, “I don’t want to lie in a box while everybody shoots the breeze and remarks how good I look. A memorial service followed by a cocktail party will suffice.”
SERVICES: Respecting his wishes, this Saturday , November 11, 2023, from 1- 3 PM there will be a public visitation in the Parlor Room, followed by a Memorial in the Chapel at 3 PM at Kutis Funeral Home Affton Chapel located at 10151 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to two charities that Mike supported:
- The BackStoppers® provides ongoing needed financial assistance and support to the spouses and dependent children of all police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters, and publicly-funded paramedics and EMTs who have lost their lives or suffered a catastrophic injury in the line of duty: https://backstoppers.org/donate/
- St. JudeChildren’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.®: https://www.stjude.org/donate/
Godspeed Guzy. The world will not be the same without your presence.
So sorry you have lost your father and friend too soon
My sincere condolences to the entire Guzy Family, Mike and I have been friends for almost fifty years. As a State Liquor Agent I worked with Mike quite a bit when he was a St. Louis Police Officer. He was a man who displayed the highest degree of professionalism and integrity. He was a dedicated, highly principled Family Man.
Reflecting on Mike I am reminded of the old Irish Saying – “The likes of him we may never see again.”
Rest In Peace My Friend
Myles E. McDonnell
Thank you. We are heartbroken. He was one of a kind!
My only regret is not getting to know “Guz” much earlier in our lives…
My sincere condolences to his family.
Greg Shepherd
Great job on Mike’s eulogy! Spot on. I worked for him in the PD. He took great care of us even though he acted like we were a complete pain and dumb as dirt. I believe he even said that a few times. A man of sharp wit, intelligence, back door humor, and speaking his mind. Rest in peace Mike. You will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss, sending our deepest sympathy to the Guzy family.
The John Vogt family
It’s not often an obit brings a smile to one’s face, but this one sure did. Mike was a great guy who loved his daughters and was very proud of them. If you dared to asked him about the grandkids, Mike would beam launched into a speech on how great they were how he loved having grandchildren. The second Thursday of the month won’t be as much fun as they once were. Thanks for being a great friend.
Condolences to his family and his many friends.
Ed Magee
Hung with Bill, uh, Mike through high school and reconnected with him many years later. Super smart, quirky wit even way back when. The most voracious reader I’ve ever known, we shared Ian Fleming books, he read them in a day and passed them on to me. Definitely one of the world’s most interesting men and one of the good guys.
R.I.P. Amigo,
Vince Nowak
Pretty sure “The Sheriff” liked me, “Seckstoe” will miss him. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” – Matthew 5:4
My love to all of you during this difficult time.
I was so sorry to hear this news as I know how deeply admired and loved he was by his girls. I only knew him when I was young but my interactions with him are still vivid memories. I was surprised and somewhat intimidated by his directness, but ultimately fascinated and inspired to witness someone just say it like it is, unapologetic, real, with a twist of wit. What a powerhouse…He made quite an impact on me even in our brief passing and I also owe thanks to him for introducing me to Neil Young! Sending you all my love and condolences, I know he will be deeply missed.
My sincere condolences to Bill’s (Mike’s) family. I knew him years ago and recently reconnected with him. He leaves the world a better place than when he came to it. Thank you, Mike, for your service! Rest in Peace my friend.