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Washington man donates bench, two scholarships in memory of daughter, grandchildren

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Almost 11 years ago, a Washington County woman and her two young children were murdered by her estranged husband. Now, her father is spreading awareness about domestic violence.

Orlando Guarino, 49, of Marianna, is serving three life sentences for the murders of Ashley Guarino, 22, and her two children, Dreux, 2, and Orlando Jr., 11 months, in July 2008.

Steve Maze of Washington, Ashley Guarino’s father, has been motivated to cope with his loss by donating and helping the community around him in memory of his slain family members.

“I used to have a lot of anger built up,” Maze said. “This helps me heal. It makes me feel like I’m using my loss in a way to help others.”

Over the past decade, Maze has donated toys to Children and Youth Services, organized fishing outings and raised thousands of dollars to renovate the Seventh Ward playground. Maze’s most recent donation was a granite bench and two scholarships to Trinity High School to remember his daughter and grandchildren and help educate people about domestic violence.

The bench took four to five years to save up for, Maze said. It cost $11,000 and was put in place this past spring.

“It helps me cope by knowing that maybe this could help someone else out in a situation like my daughters,” Maze said. “Soon I’ll have a sign next to the bench that explains what happened to my daughter and her kids.”

The two scholarships were given to Lanny Berk and Angie Tousle, two students from Trinity High School. Maze asked the school to have students write an essay about domestic violence and how it could affect them and others. Maze said it was only supposed to be one scholarship, but he was touched by the overwhelming response and had to give a second place.

“I read through them all and was touched. I had to give more than one.”

This year, Maze had shoulder surgery that made him postpone a fishing outing for children. He wants to have a day at Washington Park next summer to continue to help the community.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Maze said. “I hope to see a lot of kids having fun fishing and swimming.”

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