Michele Bono

Michele Bono was born in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicily on September 11, 1932 to Calogero and Giuseppa (Lauro) Bono.  He was one of nine children.  He was a very private and reserved man in life, so we will honor that memory in his passing.  Here is what you need to know: He worked as a shoemaker in his younger years.  Michele also worked at Sciacca Terme, a thermal spa. Michele apprenticed as a bricklayer in Italy at the age of fourteen.  Michele later trained in the Italian military, and this was the only time he drove a vehicle in his life.  He grew up loving boxing matches, soccer games, playing his numbers and a good, old movie - especially The Godfather trilogy on repeat.  He could whistle any tune.  He would remember every birthday, remember every saint day, and best of all, would make you laugh when you needed it most.  Michele married the love of his life, Marianna Giarratano on July 28th, 1959.  Together, they had 4 children: Calogero, Giuseppina, Giuseppe, and Pietra.  He loved his family fiercely and brought them to America to live in 1973.

He enjoyed soccer with a passion, especially Juventus games.  He enjoyed a big Sunday dinner surrounded by family.  He loved a great steak dinner, but would never say no to a good McDonald’s cheeseburger or an order of wings (l’ali).  He loved his kids, but he truly adored his grandkids and great-grandkids with so much of his heart. He always made them feel special and loved.

He was generous with his loved ones; stoic to the point of stubborn; strong and determined in everything he did. We will miss his hearty laugh. We will miss him telling us which lottery numbers to play because of something we dreamed about.  We will miss him telling us jokes and stories.  We will miss the way he would always pitch in to help.  We are grateful for the time we were given with him.

He fought to the end, true to his character.  But, he was never alone.  Surrounded by his family at home, he passed peacefully and lovingly into Heaven.

He was met in Heaven late in the evening on August 6th, 2023 by his wife, Marianna Bono, their son, Giuseppe, his parents, Calogero and Giuseppa, and his siblings, Maria, Giuseppe, Vito, Giovanna, and Biagio. He is survived by his three youngest siblings, Santo (Augusta), Vincenza Derlin, and Antonina Bono and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his three children, Calogero (Carmela), Giuseppina (Salvatore), and Pietra (Jay). He is also remembered by his seven grandchildren and their spouses: Linda (James), Marianna (Scott), Michele (Lauren), Giacomo (Christina), Carmela (Chris), Marianna (Andrew), & Stefano (Kelsey). He is survived by his great-grandchildren, whom he loved and adored: Henry, Natalie, Arianna, James, Lilliana, Logan, Dylan, Mila, and Colette.  They will miss him dearly.

Special thanks and admiration to his daughter, Giuseppina, for caring for him during hospice.  Also, a big thank you to his hospice nurses and all of his doctors, near and far, for giving him the best care he could have to make him comfortable during his final days.

He was always a very reserved man and because of this, Michele’s Celebration of Life will be private.  If you would like to honor his memory, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.