Kathleen “Kathy” Ann (Mullins) Guckenberger, 85, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on February 14, 2026, after a brief illness surrounded by her family. 

Kathy was born on March 27, 1940, in New York to James and Mary Mullins.  An exceptional student, Kathy graduated high school after 3.5 years and obtained a degree in education in 3.5 years from St. John’s University in New York City.  Kathy married Robert (Bob) Guckenberger on June 10, 1961 (the day she graduated from St. John’s) and they were married until Bob’s death in January 2017. 

She is survived by her children, Robert Guckenberger (Arlana) and Kenneth Guckenberger (Kathie); her grandchildren, Kristina, Mark (Stephanie), Melissa, James, and Ava; and her great-grandchildren, Will, Madison, and Kate. 

Kathy dedicated her professional life to education, teaching in public schools in both New York and Florida. Much of her career was spent working in the Title I program, where she taught some of St. Petersburg’s most disadvantaged students over several decades.    

After retirement, Kathy remained committed to serving her community and her church. She served on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of St. Petersburg and was active with the Women’s Guild at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church and numerous local charities, Kathy always saw the best in people — especially her family, friends, and students.   

Kathy was a top student and played basketball at The Mary Louis Academy in Queens. Her first date with Bob was a St. John’s basketball game at Madison Square Garden, beginning a lifelong passion for SJU.  Her longtime lament about the three-point shot (“live by the three, die by the three”) presaged modern basketball’s consensus on the three-point shot by many years.  

Kathy and Bob’s house on Coffee Pot Bayou was regularly opened for annual Christmas Eve parties and family celebrations.  She tolerated years of endless basketball dribbling in her driveway by her sons and their friends from high school and college.  Kathy was a friend to all who met her.  

A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on February 21, 2026, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.