After 30 years as across-the-street neighbors, I have many fond memories of George and Miriam, especially during the “Schnauzer” years when they would walk Applewood Ct. and Braithwood Rd.  My personal thanks to Colleen (and her son Austin) for taking such good care of George, especially the final months of his life.  I miss Miriam, and will miss George.

My wife and I can remember back to when we first met George and Miriam, it was on the day we moved into our home just down the street from theirs. 

The movers were unloading furniture and boxes and George, Miriam, and their dogs came walking up the driveway and into the carport to welcome us to the neighborhood.  The dogs decided to walk right on in and introduced themselves first. George was a hoot for sure.

One of the fondest memories of George was from a Halloween party we had at our home and he comes walking into the house in full motorcycle gear.  Helmet, boots, leather pants and jacket, with the visor down we had no idea who it was. We never knew that he used to ride motorcycles. It was one of the things that made him so intriguing to Miriam when they met.

The stories he told of how they met and traveled the world together and grew their family we always highlights of our conversations.  George loved his family, loved God, and loved helping those individuals who were less fortunate. George will be missed by his family, but he is now in the Kingdom of our Lord and has been reunited with the love of his life Miriam who has been waiting for him.

Prayers to the family.  Thank you George, for being a kind, caring, generous and very special friend.  I have happy memories of first meeting you at the Dynamo pool Arthritis Class.  You so enjoyed making a nice big splash as you jumped in the pool.  You made it fun.  From the beginning of our friendship, I so enjoyed our conversations about life and family.  Thanks for being super engaging and an inspiration, too.  Also, I must add that I am forever eternally grateful  to you and your beloved Miriam for inviting me to so many wonderful social activities in this last many years.  I will forever have great memories of the Aurora Theatre, going to the movies, The Village Burger and your favorite ice- cream, La Parilla, and especially Kacey's and Miriam's favorite Brownie.  Thanks for all those glorious memories, dear George.  May you rest peacefully with your sweet Miriam.

I did not have a long and deep relationship with George Bonito.  Our brief friendship  began when, well into our retirements, we met at Methodist Men's meetings at our church; the friendship deepened as I visited at his bedside when his illness confined him to bed.   Despite the brevity of our friendship, our friendship was solidly anchored in two shared values.    Until George was too weak to participate, he was a faithful participant in Kairos weekends, three day Christian celebrations with groups of incarcerated men,  at prisons in central Georgia.  I shared his concern that incarcerated men know that God loves them.  George also had a deep love for Jesus. When visiting by his bedside I would often  propose that we sing "Jesus Loves Me" together.  Even after he was unable to produce much sound, a smile would brighten his face and his lips would move with the words,  "Jesus loves me, this I know."   Our  common love of Jesus and  joy in this little childhood song also served to bind us together.

I rejoice that George is now in the arms of his Father and singing praises to the Son.  May God's peace heal the wounded hearts of those George leaves behind.

Farewell Mr. George! 
You will greatly and surely be missed! My condolences to the many family and  friends that loved and adored you! You were definitely loved by many. Your presence and energetic and larger than life way! Your never give up or give in spirit! Your giving way was matchless! You serve other with great care in arms and brotherhood that stretches far pass your military service in the Air Forces! You never forgot a fallen soldier or brother, you were AWESOME! I am so proud to call you my friend. We shared plenty! Meals, Great Conversation, Education, and just commonality as humans moving in the Earth. I loved that you kept appointments ranging from Wednesday Prayer  with friends to Pizza every 
Wednesday! I love that you loved eating out with your closes friends, spending time with your neighbors, and giving back to your community and favorite charity. I loved that you didn't let life get you down! You just rolled with it with great strength and fortitude! You made me feel at home always. You fed me to death I think I gained 40 pounds just hanging out with you! Lol! I remember telling you that! Now that you're back home say a prayer for me.... I am so heavy today. You will greatly be missed! I am so sorry for the many, many, friends and family that loved you and adored you, that feel like me! You mastered this! Mark 9 :35
If anyone wants to be first, he must  be last and servant to all. 
I love you Mr. George and I always, always will Regina Byars.

We enjoyed many good meals with your mom and dad.  Favorite places were Mad Italian and Fork in the Road.  George enjoyed a good Philly cheese steak sandwich.  He brought us lunch once during Covid and we enjoyed eating together outside on the deck.

I first met Mr. George as his CNA through Bridgeway. I remember when he seen me. He told me I was too short and I couldn’t bathe him by myself lol. I told him “who said I was”. He was always funny man and had great spirit. I love his jersey like accent.

OBITUARY

George Arthur Bonito

December 20, 1942 – November 6, 2024

Floral Hills Funeral Home, Cremation Services & Memory Gardens

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