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Longtime Fairfield resident Benjamin J. Guerra, a special education teacher, died Monday at St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport. He was 92. Guerra taught for decades at schools across the state, including stints at Fairfield's Andrew Warde High School.
Guerra was born May 4, 1918, in New York City. He first received teaching credentials from Colegio de Belen in Havana, Cuba. When he returned to the U.S., he earned a bachelor's degree from the New Haven State Teachers College and a master's from Southern Connecticut State University.
He started his teaching career at Madison's Grove School and later taught special education at Bridgeport's Harding High School. He then went on to start the special education program at Andrew Warde High School while also teaching Spanish and serving as director of activities. Outside the classroom, Guerra enjoyed chaperoning trips to Spanish universities for the American Institute for Foreign Studies and serving as president of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Guerra was an active member of the Gaelic-American Club. He was also a devoted parishioner at St. Pius X Church, where he served on the Lay Advisory Board and volunteered as an usher and Eucharistic minister.
Guerra was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Guerra, and his brother, Carlos Guerra. He is survived by son Richard Guerra and his wife Deborah and Benjamin J. Guerra IV of Miami; a sister, America Guerra of Fairfield; and three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 17, in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Road, Fairfield. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at St. Pius X Church, Fairfield. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Church Building Fund, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield, CT 06824.
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