Alphonse J. Guarino Jr., founder of Guarino Electric Motor Repair Service and the printing company Guarino Press, died Thursday of complications from liver disease at a Florida hospital. The Govans resident was 69.

Mr. Guarino was born in Hampden and raised in Govans. In 1955, he graduated from Calvert Hall College High School, where he lettered in varsity football for four years. He played running back and earned the nickname "Barrel."

After serving three years in the Army, Mr. Guarino began a career in electric motor repair. He also worked as a printer and tour bus driver.

He was active in the Gardenville Little League, the Knights of Columbus, the Sons of Italy, Friends of Mercy and the Friday Night Dance Club.

"He loved to laugh, always had a joke to tell," said Mr. Guarino's eldest son, A. Joseph Guarino III of Richmond, Va. "He always had a smile on his face."

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, 1450 Abingdon Road, Abingdon.

Survivors include three other sons, Anthony H. Guarino of St. Louis, Timothy E. Guarino of Baltimore and Dominic V. Guarino of Charlotte, N.C.; a sister, Evelyn Pulket of Viera, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

His marriage to the former Patricia Mary Naunton ended in divorce.