Edward Joseph Bonini, 85, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on Monday, July 2, 2018. Mr. Bonini was born in Congamond, Southwick, MA on March 28, 1933, the son of Valia A. (Pomina) Bonini of Southwick and Deo Dato Bonini of Cedrasco, Italy. Three days after his birth, the Great Berkshire Ice House burned to the ground taking with it two houses, one of which was the Boninis’.
Edward, his mother and sister were thought to have perished in the fire, but were later found at his aunt’s home in Springfield, MA. He was signed by the Boston Braves in 1953 as a second baseman, but prior to reporting to training camp he was drafted into the army where he served in Germany with the First Infantry Division 16th Regiment. Edward married Phyllis Danley on July 4, 1957, in Our Lady of the Lake Church in Southwick, and the couple celebrated 61 years of a loving marriage traveling much of the world together.
They enjoyed their retirement together in Estero, FL in the winter with many loving friends, playing golf, and attending Red Sox Spring Training. Ed enjoyed getting autographs from Red Sox players for family and friends in addition to volunteering during Christmas time by ringing the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle charity. He had an extraordinary love of family and sports.
He served as a coach in the Westfield Babe Ruth League as well as a coach and member of the Westfield Little League Board of Directors from 1976-1980, and was a steadfast presence at all of his son’s games. Ed had a wonderful sense of humor and was known and loved for the way he made us laugh. He was a loyal friend and dedicated husband and father.
He worked as a Technical Consultant in Loss Prevention at Liberty Mutual for 30 years, and enjoyed his time there immensely. He was also a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. Edward is survived by his wife Phyllis Bonini of Westfield, MA and Estero, FL; his daughter Pamela Bonini Ford and husband Brian of Acton; his daughter Lisa Bonini Sullivan and husband Shawn of Southwick; his son John Bonini and wife Michelle of Westfield; and six grandchildren, Brittany Ford, Matthew Ford, Paige Sullivan, Makenzie Sullivan, Nathaniel Edward Bonini and Luke Bonini; as well as his two sisters Shirley Hanks of Westfield, and Donna Phillips and her husband Kenneth of Southwick, and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Edward was predeceased by his mother and father as well as his uncle Dominic Bonini and his wife Elisa Bonini and their daughter Nelda Bonini. His funeral service will be held on Monday, July 9th at 10 am at the funeral home and 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Parish, 30 Bartlett St. in Westfield. Visitation hours are Sunday, July 8th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad St. in Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army Red Kettle at www. salvationarmyusa.org, in the name of Edward J. Bonini.
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