Obituary for Joseph Bonanno
Funeral Mass for Joseph Bonanno, 99, of Willoughby, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Church, 37940 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. (Due to Covid-19, the wearing of masks and social distancing are required.)
Mr. Bonanno died peacefully Oct. 20, 2020.
Joseph immigrated to the United States in 1955 from Furnari, Sicily, province of Messina. Searching for a better life, and broader opportunities for his young family, he came to settle in Euclid, working tirelessly to provide his family the true American dream. With his love of gardening and landscaping, he and Caterina spent hours after his regular workday, nurturing vegetables, fruit trees, and notably, the nicest yard and flower beds on the street! Friends and neighbors were often the beneficiaries of his bountiful garden. With his grandchildren’s help, he continued this well into his 90’s.
After retirement, Joseph could be found, if not spending time with his family, or in his garden alongside his wife of 75 years, at the Willoughby Senior Center; he was a constant presence, enjoying his lifelong love of games and socializing, winning countless championships in billiards and later, cornhole. Joseph loved being around people and was always ready to sit and talk with you or share a quick meal. He loved cooking meals to share with family whenever they would gather, often followed by a game or two or Rummy or his favorite Italian card games, Scoba and Briscola.
Above all, Joseph loved his extended family. With the advent of Skype and Facebook, Joseph learned to use the computer so that he could stay in touch and communicate with his family across the continents. His greatest joy was video chatting with nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren, keeping up with their latest news and seeing their faces. “His presence will be greatly missed, but lives on in our hearts and the legacy of strength and harmony he bequeathed to us.”
Joseph was the loving father of Grace Jones, and Carmela (Donald) Dalton; father-in-law of Katherine Bonanno; dearest grandfather of Marcus (Alexandra) Jones, Sarah (Jeff) Blasi, Meghan (Scott) Patton, Erin Bonanno, Jessica Bonanno (fiancé Michael Paciorek), Corinne Bonanno, and Joseph Bonanno; great-grandfather of 10; and a beloved uncle, great-uncle and great-great uncle of many. He was truly loved by all.
He was preceded in death by his dearly departed wife, Caterina (nee Saia); son, Anthony; and son-in-law, Terry Jones.
Burial will follow the Mass at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland.
If you would like to make a contribution in his memory, please consider the Dave E Anderson Willoughby Senior Center, 36939 Ridge Road, Willoughby, OH 44094.
Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.
Mr. Bonanno died peacefully Oct. 20, 2020.
Joseph immigrated to the United States in 1955 from Furnari, Sicily, province of Messina. Searching for a better life, and broader opportunities for his young family, he came to settle in Euclid, working tirelessly to provide his family the true American dream. With his love of gardening and landscaping, he and Caterina spent hours after his regular workday, nurturing vegetables, fruit trees, and notably, the nicest yard and flower beds on the street! Friends and neighbors were often the beneficiaries of his bountiful garden. With his grandchildren’s help, he continued this well into his 90’s.
After retirement, Joseph could be found, if not spending time with his family, or in his garden alongside his wife of 75 years, at the Willoughby Senior Center; he was a constant presence, enjoying his lifelong love of games and socializing, winning countless championships in billiards and later, cornhole. Joseph loved being around people and was always ready to sit and talk with you or share a quick meal. He loved cooking meals to share with family whenever they would gather, often followed by a game or two or Rummy or his favorite Italian card games, Scoba and Briscola.
Above all, Joseph loved his extended family. With the advent of Skype and Facebook, Joseph learned to use the computer so that he could stay in touch and communicate with his family across the continents. His greatest joy was video chatting with nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren, keeping up with their latest news and seeing their faces. “His presence will be greatly missed, but lives on in our hearts and the legacy of strength and harmony he bequeathed to us.”
Joseph was the loving father of Grace Jones, and Carmela (Donald) Dalton; father-in-law of Katherine Bonanno; dearest grandfather of Marcus (Alexandra) Jones, Sarah (Jeff) Blasi, Meghan (Scott) Patton, Erin Bonanno, Jessica Bonanno (fiancé Michael Paciorek), Corinne Bonanno, and Joseph Bonanno; great-grandfather of 10; and a beloved uncle, great-uncle and great-great uncle of many. He was truly loved by all.
He was preceded in death by his dearly departed wife, Caterina (nee Saia); son, Anthony; and son-in-law, Terry Jones.
Burial will follow the Mass at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland.
If you would like to make a contribution in his memory, please consider the Dave E Anderson Willoughby Senior Center, 36939 Ridge Road, Willoughby, OH 44094.
Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.