John Warren Bonanno

Virginia Beach – John Warren Bonanno, 66, lost his relentless battle with cancer on Friday, June 15, 2012. He was born on July 3, 1945 in Kearny, New Jersey to the late John and Edna Bonanno. John is a retired veteran fighter pilot of the United States Marine Corps and Navy of 20 years retiring in 1986. He earned his B.S. from Embry Riddle Aeronautical Aviation and attended Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) in 1975. After his military career, John continued his love for flying with Flight International, a civilian contractor to the Navy providing threat simulations to aircraft and ships. After finishing flying in 2001, John and his wife, Lynda, retired to the Outer Banks where they are owners of Island Accent Gifts in Manteo, N.C. John’s passions in life included his family and love for model aviation and being on the water. In the years since his retirement he has been active with several radio controlled boat and airplane clubs. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynda; daughter, Kristen Field (husband Matt); daughter, Danielle Jennings (husband Sean); son, Tony Bonanno (wife Ashley); son, Joseph Bonanno; grandchildren, Collin, Matthew, Tanner, Logan, Brady, Adin, Christopher, and Angelina; and his beloved beagles, Daisy and Riley. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wed, June 20, 2012 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thurs, June 21, 2012 at the Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach with a reception to follow at the family’s residence. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in John’s name to the Norfolk SPCA or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. You may pay condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com and please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnbonanno