David BONA, age 75, of Palm Harbor, Florida passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 - the final result of a hemorrhagic stroke suffered 10 years ago. David was born February 9, 1945 in Yonkers, New York to Theodore and Della Bona.
David lived a life full of love and many families. At the tender age of 13, David entered the Capuchin fraternity and spent 12 years in the Seminary education system in Garrison, NY - including high school, college and graduate school. David was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1977 at The Monastery Church of the Sacred Heart in Yonkers, NY. He spent 25 years as a Capuchin and enjoyed the brotherhood and friendship of many fellow priests during that time. He spent time as the Chaplain at Vassar College and was also Pastor of St. Pius X church in Middletown, CT. He completed his time as a priest while in California and embarked on the next chapter of his life -- living and teaching in Santa Barbara. David's second chapter of life included his time as the Department Chair in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. David had a deep knowledge and passion for Jungian psychology which was tragically lost as a result of the stroke. David was in a loving and committed relationship with Cecile Lyons, who shared his passion of psychology and was his wonderful caregiver for 7 years after the stroke.
Cecile and the family made the difficult decision to relocate David to Palm Harbor, Florida where four generations of his extended family are now rooted. Coral Oaks, the senior residence where his mother Della also lived, provided wonderful care, along with his twin sister Diane, during the three years since he left Santa Barbara. In spite of his struggles with language and communication, David remained a bright light and managed to connect with fellow residents and staff for meals and friendship throughout his time there. The family also enjoyed having him join them at holiday and family gatherings.
Admired and deeply loved, David (Uncle Dave) was that guy you always wanted to be around. Although the stroke took away a part of him from us, we fiercely loved him to the end. It was very difficult to witness his struggle, having stood in his light. He was a brilliant and wonderful man - huge in his love of others. He will be missed tremendously.
David is survived by his partner of many years Cecile Lyons in Santa Barbara, CA and family in Florida and New Jersey including his twin sister Diane Pagnott (Ed), several nieces and nephews -- Michelle Curtis, David Pagnott (Bryce), Nancy Planeta (Rafael) and Peter Pagnott (Nikki), Anthony and Teddy Bona and many great-nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his brother, Anthony Bona and his parents.
A funeral Mass for David will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2020 from 11:00 am -12:00 pm at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Phillippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695-2067. Interment will occur at Sylvan Abbey immediately following the funeral Mass.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the family.
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