Alfio Al Bonanno

Alfio ""Al"" Bonanno, beloved husband of Maria ""Mariella"" (Neri) Bonanno of Ellington, passed away surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer on the evening of July 21, 2014. Born November 19, 1943 in Biancavilla, Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy. Al moved to Rome, Italy as a little boy with his family and lived there until early adulthood. He maintained a strong bond with his family and friends in Rome, when at the age of 26, he moved to Hartford to marry the love of his life, Maria. In addition to his adoring wife, he is survived by his three loving sons and daughters-in-law: Atty. Salvatore Bonanno, and his wife Lisa, of Ellington, Richard Bonanno, and his wife Patricia of South Windsor, and Dr. Steven Bonanno, and his wife, Suzanne of South Windsor. He is also survived by six grandchildren; Danielle, MarcAnthony, Dominic, Nicholas, Adam and Sarah; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carmelina and Carmelo Testa of East Hartford; Frank and Maria Neri of Vernon; sisters-in-law Marcella and Irma Bonanno, both of Rome, Italy; many nieces and nephews in Connecticut and in Italy. Alfio was predeceased by his loving mother, Rosina Bonanno, his father, Michele and three affectionate older brothers, Salvatore, Franco, and Giuseppe. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law Alfina (Minissale) Neri and his sister-in-law Egle. Al was employed at Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation as a service technician working with natural gas regulators. He was employed there for nearly 30 years. Shortly after retirement he and Maria built a home in Ellington. Alfio was formerly a member of the Italian American Stars Club in Hartford. He was a member of Mt. Carmel St. Christina Society and a Knight of Columbus. Al was also a member of St. Luke's Parish in Ellington for the last eight years. Prior to that, he was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in South Windsor. Al dedicated his entire life to his children and family. He took great pride in being a good provider for them. He succeeded in his quest to create significantly better opportunities for his children. The father of three sons, Alfio took so much pride in each of their professional and personal accomplishments. He became a father to each of his three daughters-in-law, providing a constant source of love and support. Without question, the lights of his life were his six adoring grandchildren, with whom he cherished each and every moment. Al enjoyed and had a great passion for playing cards with his family and friends. He also loved fishing, camping, debating and he was very interested in world history. He greatly enjoyed traveling, and he and Maria had the pleasure of taking many trips and cruises together. Alfio enjoyed watching old westerns and was always a big boxing fan. Because his sons have been long-time Patriots season ticketholders, he took it upon himself to learn the game and follow along as best he could. Al loved to share his time and many talents with anyone in need of them. He was indeed a gentle spirit and a humble person who loved to engage and converse with anyone. Al was always a playful soul and enjoyed being humorous with anyone he came into contact with. He had an innate ability to make people feel welcomed and at ease. Alfio is a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, who will be greatly missed. A special thank you to the Visiting Nurse & Health Services of CT, Inc. and all the medical professionals who took great care of him. Funeral services will begin on Saturday at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Luke's Church, 66 Bolton St., Hartford. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Donations in Al's memory may be made to the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.