Mario Joseph Bonafede

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mario Joseph Bonafede, a beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, godfather and friend to many.  Mario was born on August 22, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph W. and Joanne (Wisinski) Bonafede.  Mario lived in Chicago until his family moved to Pomona, California when Mario was 10 years old. Mario attended St. Joseph’s parish in Pomona, graduating from Pomona High School in 1957.

In 1960, Mario met his future bride, Marcia Lorraine Miceli, at a school dance where he described the experience as love at first sight and from that moment knew they would one day be married.  Mario was able to earn Marcia’s father (Frank Miceli’s) blessing and promised Frank they would wait to be married until Marcia fulfilled her dream of becoming a college graduate.  In 1964, Mario and Marcia were married one week after Marcia’s graduation at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pomona, California. This led to 60 years as husband and wife which their son Michael has often described them as being like the Blue Angels flying in close formation all his life.   

Mario and Marcia lived in Brea, California and were soon blessed with the birth of their two sons (Michael and Anthony).  Mario accepted one of many promotions that facilitated their move to Houston, Texas in 1974.  Mario would often say moving to Texas was the best decision for his family.   His sons were able to go from Preschool all the way through college from this same home in Prestonwood Forest where countless memories were made.  

In 1990, with both boys now away at college, Mario and Marcia had a unique opportunity with his company to move back to California which enabled Mario to play an important role in caring for his elderly parents and Marcia’s Father in their golden years. While still living in California, Anthony and his wife Teresa moved to San Diego to be closer to his parents.  Mario and Marcia were able to be present for the birth of their first two grandchildren Vincent and Brandon, spending many Saturdays with them while they lived in San Diego.

In 2010, Mario and Marcia were asked by their oldest Son Michael to move back to Texas and live their retirement years near his newly started family in College Station which included Daughter-in-love Carol and their first granddaughter Camila. Mario was present at the hospital for the birth of their youngest grandson Enzo and spent many years driving both Texas grandchildren back and forth to school, various activities and going on “special missions” that seem to always include visiting Shipleys among other treats – all special memories that Enzo and Camila will never forget.

Mario has been a rock to countless families, friends and even strangers, for Mario – family meant everything.  His attitude was always positive and you could tell he liked to make sure everyone was taken care of before himself.  You would think he knew everyone at the restaurant or grocery store with how he talked to complete strangers like he has known them for years.  In addition to being the best partner Marcia could have been blessed with, his greatest role was being a Dad – including a paternal figure to many, godfather, proud grandpa and the list goes on and on. Mario loved his family and sharing his life and home with Marcia, his parents, his siblings, children, daughters-in-love, grandchildren and anyone passing by brought him joy. He always had a smile and a story to share.  He was the consummate extrovert in his day and his sense of humor made any event fun – a true life of the party making everyone feel welcome. xx A man of unwavering faith, Mario was a fourth degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Houston and California.

Mario was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Joanne; brother Ronald (Ronnie) and sister Selma (Sally). Survivors include wife and best friend Marcia, sons and daughters-in-love, Michael & Carol Bonafede of College Station; son and daughter-in-love, Anthony & Teresa Bonafede of Fresno, CA; grandchildren, Vincent, Brandon, Camila and Enzo. Also surviving are his siblings (Santa, Priscilla, Linda, Joe, and Albert), numerous extended family and countless friends.

Mario’s Family would like to give special thanks to our family friends: Amy Landry (Enhabit Hospice), Jaime Rosenbaum and Crystal Mack who loved and helped us care for Dad like he was their own family.

A rosary will be led by Deacon Frank Ashley on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:30am at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station, Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Albert Laforet followed by the burial service at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bryan that will be officiated by Monsignor John McCaffrey. Music will be provided by Toni Ruffino.  A reception will follow the burial service back at St. Thomas Aquinas Church Zurek Hall.

As we mourn the loss of Mario, we remember him especially for his humor, kindness, wisdom, and his commitment to loving Jesus and serving others before himself.

In lieu of flowers, please consider voting republican so we will have the ability to  donate to your favorite charity in the next administration.

Express condolences to the family at www.CallawayJones.com.