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John Bonfatti Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Bonfatti
Sponsored by Shawn Dudley, as a gift to all of those who loved Jay..
Janet Sherman
April 24, 2009
I was going through some old emails and found several from last year that included many pictures of Jay and a Youtube video of him ice skating. For a moment in time, Jay was back with us, singing, smiling and having a blast! Now you are entertaining the angels. Miss you.
Jerry Reilly
November 9, 2008
Have been meaning to write here for some time. I had not seen Jay in years but I always felt that had I needed to, he would have been ready to share a story or an insight about something he had seen or done. Jay was was the kindest people I've ever met. Condolences to his family and friends.
David Tochterman
October 12, 2008
Rich Siegel and I were roommates with Jay in 1979/1980 in Syracuse. Even though he was only two years older than us he looked at us like we were kids and thoroughly enjoyed the college highjinks that we more than occasionally forced him to join. He was a great, garrulous guy who was wired to be happy, and I enjoyed staying in touch with him through the years. My condolences to his family.
rich siegel
October 11, 2008
I met Jay in Syracuse during the summer of 1980. If memory serves, and often it doesn't, we shared a house. Along with Len Barcouski and Dave Tochterman. After college, Dave and I would often find ourselves out late at night in California. And many times we would look at each other and say, "Let's call Jay in Buffalo and see how he's doing." It never mattered that we were calling at 3 or 4 in the morning. Or that we were waking him from a deep sleep. Jay was just always happy to hear from us. Like all that knew him, I will miss his deep hearty laugh. I wish his family only the best during this difficult time.
Bob Lyons
October 11, 2008
As an Associated Press stringer in Philadelphia, I had the honor and pleasure of working with Jay, especially covering the Eagles and Flyers, during his all-too-short stay in the Quaker City. What a pleasure! I never met anyone who made friends and absolutely lit up a room as quickly as he did. I was also fortunate to receive his annual Christmas CD, something that I shared with my sons in Denver and Los Angeles, who enjoyed it tremendously. Rest in Peace, Big Guy. You will be missed. My condolences and prayers go out to his family.
Bob Lyons
Jeff Moeller
September 7, 2008
My deepset condolences to the Bofatti family. I was shocked when I learned of Jay's passing. I had the opportunity to work for Jay as a correspondent for the AP during his time in Philadelphia. Since that time, I have never forgotten him and never will. He was very sincere and had a tremendous personality. One late night when my car broke down in Philadelphia, I called Jay and he picked me up and offered me to stay at his apartment. We recently e-mailed each other and we always stayed in touch.
Rest well, big guy. Billy Joel had it right when he sang that,"only the good die young."
Irene and Paul Bernhard
September 6, 2008
To Jay's family we send our deepest sympathy. He will be missed at Guild Christmas parties especially when he was trying to recruit singers. My husband (who does not work at the New) even commented on how nice Jay was to him and said "he doesn't even know me" and I told him that is just the kind of person Jay is. The memorial today at the Tap Room showed just how much he was well liked and respected. You will be missed. Rock on....
Lori Nieves
September 5, 2008
My condolences to the family of Jay Bonfatti. Jay was an incredibly nice person. He will be missed very much but we will never forget such a wonderful man. God rest his soul
Carol Ann & Bill Oberacker
September 5, 2008
Al, Pat and the entire Bonfatti Family,
We express our deepest and sincere sympathy to all of you after hearing of Jay's sudden passing. We know that that strength, compassion and love within the Bonfatti family will bring you peace during this saddened time. Our thoughts and prayers are for you.
Miguel Rodriguez
September 4, 2008
I'd like to pass along my deepest condolences to the Bonfatti family. Jay was always friendly, full of life and a pleasure to hang out with whenever our paths crossed - in social settings and in the office. He's a great man and I'll miss him very much.
Candace Ayoung
September 4, 2008
My condolences to Jay's family, especially Tim and Andrew, who I have worked with for a number of years. Even though I did not know Jay personally, I have suffered the lost of a sibling and know the void that is created. Jay is in his ultimate resting place, he just got there before us all!
Donna Bruch
September 4, 2008
I met Jay through my husband, David who belongs to a fantasy football league that met once a year. Talk about a diverse group of guys. I shared Jay's love of good food and good music. It was a tradition to send him peanut butter bon bons for Christmas and I always looked forward to receiving his famous Christmas CD. When I was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, Jay made a CD he called the "Donna mix" so I could listen to it during chemotherapy. I am so happy his friends in Syracuse saw him on August 22nd. Better yet, I made him a batch of bon bons. He was such a kind, sweet soul and he will be greatly missed.
Jen Ramsdell
September 4, 2008
What a kind, kind soul Jay was. My last memories of him involve a team of us, from The Buffalo News, volunteering for the United Way Day of Caring. How appropriate... As all of the rest of us called it a day and headed off to lunch, Jay stayed and continued to work. He said there was more staining and painting to be done. Well Jay, I guess your work here is done.. Rest in peace.
Barb & Roger Durant
September 3, 2008
Jay was a caring person to everyone and everyone loved him so. He will be missed by many at The News who were not only his colleagues, but his friends.
You are in our prayers.
Cindy Sterner
September 3, 2008
Jay and I started at The News around the same time. . .and quickly became friends over our love of music. I was thrilled to be on his Christmas CD list and was happy to reciprocate each year with my homemade wine. He made me laugh, he made me think and he had a unique way of looking at life. I am glad to have known Jay and will miss him. Like George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, Jay was the richest man in town and my condolences to his family.
Linda College
September 3, 2008
My condolences to Jay's parents and family. You will all be in my prayers in the upcoming days. Jay was a very talented and giving person. He will be missed by his many friends at The Buffalo Newspaper Guild.
Deidre Williams
September 2, 2008
Jay was so full of life it's hard to believe he's gone. So long, old friend. You will be dearly, dearly, dearly missed.
Michael and Melinda Miller
September 2, 2008
Jay's passing has left such a void here, but I know his friends and coworkers (which in our newsroom are the same thing) will do their best each day to fill that space with memories of Jay. We can only offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family. Jay is irreplaceable.
Terry Dunford
September 2, 2008
As we travel life’s journey, sometimes we are blessed in the moment to recognize the extraordinary people who intersect our lives.
We all know the type. These kinds of folks make an immediate impression; something in your core tells you that they are cut from a different kind of fabric which is recognized to be both superior in performance, and, priceless in value. Jay Bonfatti was cut from a cloth such as this.
Jay was recognized by his peers to possess extraordinary talent as a journalist; judged to be an outstanding human by his family and friends; and, most importantly, loved and respected by almost all he encountered. Jay was a truly good man.
I will miss him, his laugh, his intellect and his wit. Heck, I’ll even miss his annual Christmas album. His Cajun Christmas tribute to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina still ranks as my favorite. My kids still can’t get last year’s smash hit, “A Marshmallow World” by Kim Stockwood “Pride of Newfoundland” out of their brains!
“JB”, your journey is done; your work is complete. We collectively thank you!
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand and give you heaven, my friend. You will be missed!
Mike Vogel
September 2, 2008
Those of us who worked with and loved Jay have suffered a deep, deep loss. But if anyone had to suffer this loss long-distance, better us than his family. This is our consolation -- that Jay spent his last days with those he loved the most, and they with him, in a place they all cherished. As sharp and traumatic as the pain is now, Jay's family will have immediate and warm memories of him that, ultimately, may prove comforting. God bless you all.
Kevin Collison
September 2, 2008
Dear Bonfatti family and friends,
Jay was a prince, the literal man for all seasons and he is sorely missed by his many friends. God rest his wonderful soul. Our family extends its love and prayers.
Charity Vogel
September 2, 2008
Jay made Buffalo a better place, with his talent, his good humor, and his noble spirit. We were lucky to have him at all, and now we'll miss him deeply. Condolences to his family and friends in Massachusetts and throughout the country.
From Charity, TJ, and girls.
Jay Bonfatti at Staba's Meat Day party, Aug. 9, 2008.
Doug Benz
September 2, 2008
Dear Bonfatti Family,
Jay was a dear friend and a super guy. All of us could stand to be more like J-Bo. He is missed so much. Attached is a cell phone picture of Jay on Aug. 9.
With love and sympathy,
Doug, Liz Benz
Matt Spina
September 2, 2008
I knew Jay for only a few years but feel privileged to have been acquainted with him. What a zest for life he had. Our newsroom will not be the same, and I will miss his wit and his spirit. God bless Jay.
Greg Connors
September 2, 2008
Jay put a smile on the face of anyone who saw him on any given day. Our tears are temporary, while those smiles will be part of us forever.
Charles Lewis
September 2, 2008
Dear Bonfatti Family,
Ten years ago when I began working at the Buffalo News I met John Bonfatti, and we became fast friends. I loved his down-to-earth personality and straight-forward manner. To me he is the very definition of the word "real". Several times he helped me as a Guild leader with troubles I had, and nobody ever did as much for the union as Jay. He had a way of making everybody feel welcome, he was so full of warmth, humor, good times and sage advice. Jay was the rare kind of person that put others first, he would quietly do things to help people in need and not call any attention to himself...his lust for life was irresistable, and he was always great fun to be with. We shared a passion for music and good barbeque, but most of all, I just loved talking to him. I loved his positive energy and his regard for the underdog....he was my "working-class" hero, and I will miss him so very much....
CHUCK FISCHER
September 2, 2008
WITH DEEPESY SYMPATHY. YOUR IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED JAY; FOR ALL YOU DID.
carrie choboy
September 2, 2008
Jay was a great friend of mine. We met at the buffalo news several years ago and he quickly became a close friend. He taught me golf, good music and much much more. The Buffalo area and The Buffalo News will never be the same without him.
John McCarthy
September 2, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to Jay's family & friends. We all will miss his wit and humor.
God rest his soul.
From the Engineers at The News.
Bobby Kirkham
September 2, 2008
I wanted to let all of you know how sadly Jay will be missed by his "other" family back here in Buffalo, NY. I invite all of you to visit the Buffalo News web site or put the following in your internet web browser:
http://buffalonews.typepad.com/inside_the_news/2008/08/a-gift-gone-too.html
We loved him very much and as evidenced by many of his personal stories and experiences about his earlier New England days, he loved you all just as much.
In closing, Thank you Bonfatti family for sharing your son with us and allowing him to join our Western New York family...
Scott Thomas
September 1, 2008
To the Bonfatti Family,
We are saddened to hear of Jays passing. I have not seen Jay for 30 years but remember him as always smiling. God Bless you Jay
The Thomas Family
on assignment with jay 10-2005 by harry
September 1, 2008
on assignment with jay by harry scull jr
September 1, 2008
on assignment with Jay by Harry Scull jr
September 1, 2008
on assignment with Jay by harry scull jr
Harry Scull Jr
September 1, 2008
When my father recently passed away, the first phone call I received was from Jay.
When calling hours started at the funeral home on the first day, Jay was the first thru the door .
When the glass seemed half empty, Jay let you know that is was half full.
When the road at the news seemed to have too many turns,Jay helped to straighten it out for you.
In reading and talking with so many ,since Jay's passing you fully realize how many people Jay really touched.There was no time that Jay did not put off that phone call , or stop what he was doing if you stopped by his desk. When you were Jay it was as if you were his only and best friend. Always there, Always a smile, and Always a cheerful word.
I will miss being on assignment with Jay the most. His assignments were the best, and he always made you feel closer to your subjects leaving you more knowledgeable and a better person after them.
I will miss seeing you when I get off that elevator in the morning, and look forward to one day being in your presence again.
Harry Scull Jr
Photographer
Nancy & Peter Murray
September 1, 2008
To the Bonfatti Family,
Our deepest sympathy. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Wendy Kinter
September 1, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I didn't know Jay but was a good friend of Andy's.
Wendy Kinter from Heather Drive
Steve McLaughlin
September 1, 2008
I am one of Jay's many friends from Buffalo who were shocked by the news of his passing. As a meteorologist with the National weather Service, I often dealt with Jay on a professional level with his columns about weather and science for the Buffalo News, but also on a more personal level in joining Jay for Bisons and Sabres games here. I'll always treasure his Christmas CDs as well. He has many friends out here and will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to all of his family.
Jack and Ellin Coughlin
September 1, 2008
We were so sorry to learn of Jay's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christina & Kevin Bell
August 31, 2008
To all of the Bonfatti family we send our heartfelt sympathy and deepest wish for peace in your hearts. We are grateful for the opportunity to have experienced Jay's generosity of heart and special knack for warm and festive hospitality -- which runs in the family-- on several memorable occassions. Jay's brother Andrew is one of our favorite friends in this world and we have always enjoyed sharing in your annual Labor Day party. Even the children, Jay's nieces and nephews, consistently go out of their way, on their own initiative, to make our children and others feel comfortable and welcome at this family celebration. You are a special and inspiring bunch -- we treasure our time with you ! Please know that our prayers are with you now and we are available to help in any way, if at all possible.
Peter Cushley
August 31, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family.
I have known Jay for over 25 years and even though for many of those years, I only got to see him but once a year, I have always counted him as a good friend because that has always been the way he has made me feel. Jay has a quality for making people feel welcome, cared for, loved. What makes that all the more special is that so many people have not only felt that from Jay but have picked up some of that quality from him to pass around. We are all a little better for having known him. This Christmas and every year, I will play the Christmas CD's (and tapes - I have been receiving them for that long) that he has made and I will remember him fondly and do my best to carry on his tradition of making everyone around me feel special. He will be missed.
MAry Dardano
August 31, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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