Bluffton’s True Southern Gentleman

Written By Merry Lee Jones
Photography by Will Guscio

In the small historic southern town of Bluffton, many people will agree that chivalry is not dead. There is still a breed of southern men who come complete with etiquette and manners. And since June is the month that we celebrate our fathers - this article is dedicated to one of our “true southern gentlemen” and the father of three very community minded children who, without a doubt, love their daddy.

My father has always been one to see the forest through the trees, not just as a land planner but also in a inspirational role in my youth and present day relationship with him. To have him as a father and friend throughout my life is truly a blessing and I look forward to many adventures together in the years to come.The many projects he has underway and ones in his thoughts are sure to keep the family busy and entertained as we see them through.
-Will Guscio

Daddy has lots of wonderful qualities. He’s patient, compassionate, kind, funny, can do great imitations, he can pull your leg and keep a straight face while doing
it. He’s caring, outdoorsy, inventive, easy going, leads by example, loves unconditionally and never asks for anything in return, a great teacher. He puts the needs of others he loves first. I admire him for owning his own business. He is very hard working and involved with the community. It shows in his work that he cares about the lowcountry and preserving our natural resources.
-Cathrine “Tat” Guscio

I was asked to write about my father in a paragraph. It is very hard to sum him up in five or six little sentences. But, here goes... My father is Gibralter, he is the man I look up to, the man I model myself after, my hero. I only hope that I have made him proud and can continue to make him proud and follow in his gi-normous footprints. I was asked to write a paragraph, I can sum it up by saying... I love him and I am proud to call him Dad.-
-Jamie Guscio

on Guscio doesn’t ride on a white horse nor did he witness the burning of Atlanta. But frankly, my dear, he does give a #%!&*.

He was born in Richmond, Virginia, (known as the mother city of presidents because it is the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee.) His father worked for the Corps. of Engineers having said that, their family lived in many different places throughout the country before settling in Atlanta.

While attending the University of Georgia, he enjoyed the comradeship of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating, he had the opportunity to move to the Lowcountry. “I jumped at the chance to move here, because I had always loved living close to the water,” Don said.

He owns and operates a land planning and design business. Even though he didn’t come up with the idea of Monticello Grounds, (he wasn’t available at the time) his projects have been numerous. He started out in this area working at Sea Pines with Charles and Joe Fraser. “This was a wonderful experience for me. They were making history and I learned a great deal during that time,” Don stated.

He ventured out on his own in 1976 and has since worked on projects in Atlanta, Charleston, Kiawah and Harbor Town. He was the planner for Bluffton’s first subdivision, Fern Lakes. “I always knew this area was poised to become a magnet for people,” Don said, “What is there not to like about Bluffton. People are drawn here for the same reasons that brought you and I. The quality of life and all the amenities Bluffton has to offer.”

His quality of refinement and manners has also made him the success that he is as a husband and a father. I’m sure everyone in this area is aware of his exuberance and always happy wife, Babbie. Together they own “The Store.” This is a sweet little shop that Babbie runs out of an interesting old historical building on Calhoun Street in Oldtown Bluffton.

Babbie will be the first to tell you that behind her is a man who has confidence in himself and an inner strength that allows him to impart strength to those he loves. This love extends to his daughter, Tat, and his two sons, Will and Jamie. “All my favorite memories are watching my family grow up to become wonderful and caring people,” Don added.

Through his life in Bluffton, Don has spent seven years on the Joint Planning Commission representing Bluffton. He was on the Highway 278 corridor review board/committee, sewer task force representing Bluffton and was involved in the planning of the “new” part of old Bluffton that is known as The Promenade and Tabby Roads. “I see positive things for the future of Oldtown and greater Bluffton,” Don said. “We have a very caring local government and lots of well-informed Blufftonians, who are going to help steer us in the right direction.”

When he isn’t busy , his down time is spent sailing and formula car racing. Don mentions, “I would like to see a road rally in Bluffton one day.”

He also likes good food. His favorite is Babbie’s Buckingham Gumbo, (this recipe is in the Church of the Cross cookbook, Great Cooks Rise) and for dessert is a big bowl of pistachio ice cream. When asked what his favorite restaurant is , he smiles and says, “ my own kitchen.”

When there is a gathering in Bluffton, you will find Don Guscio strolling down Calhoun Street smiling and greeting everyone with a warm smile and the aura of integrity. He truly is a fine southern gentleman.