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BONCI, Christine M.
Christine M. "Tina" Bonci passed away Friday, March 7, 2014, in Pittsburgh, Pa., after a long, heroic battle with a rare form of cancer. Tina was born June 4, 1954, in Greenville, Pa. Being sports minded and having a desire to help those in need, she followed her passion and became an athletic trainer, graduating in 1977 from Lock Haven University with a B.S. in health and physical education and a M.S. degree in physical education at The University of Rhode Island in 1979. In the course of her work at The University of Pennsylvania Sports Medicine Center (1979-85), she was named U.S. women's basketball athletic trainer for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, a career hallmark never fulfilled due to a U.S. boycott. A second opportunity came in the 1984 Los Angeles games when Tina served as athletic trainer for coach Pat Summitt and the gold medalist U.S. Olympic women's basketball team.
In 1985, Tina was named head women's athletic trainer at The University of Texas, serving under visionary women's AD Donna Lopiano and legendary basketball coach Jody Conradt. She was a great athletic trainer, whose expertise helped coaches and teams win championships. Tina's forte was developing holistic procedures and protocols for treatment of student-athletes. She had a deep understanding of the human body. As a serious athlete herself, she knew how student-athletes needed to train and prepare for competition, and she created innovative strategies to bring them back from injury. She also understood and appreciated coaches, a highly valued quality. Gracious, brilliant and collaborative, Tina galvanized UTs athletics leaders and coaches, who provided her unconditional support to develop an unparalleled athletic training program. Her dedication was absolute. Everyone Tina treated became the most important person in her life. She was a gifted lecturer, writer and publisher and an admired leader and mentor in her profession. Among many honors, Tina was selected in 2010 to the UT Women's Athletics Hall of Honor and received the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer award from NATA in 2006.
At the time of her passing, she was co-director of athletic training and sports medicine for nearly 500 UT men and women student-athletes and had just finished a proposal for her cutting-edge dream project: the establishment of a state of the art Center for Wellness and High Performance to serve UT student-athletes.
Tina was preceded in death by parents George and Elvera (Rinella) Bonci. She is survived by a loving family: sisters and spouses Deborah Miller (Jeff) of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Mary Jo Bonci (Richard See) of Greenville, Pa., brother Frederick R. Bonci of Pittsburgh (Leslie), niece Ashley Miller, nephews Cary Bonci, Gregory Bonci (Jacqueline Haker), Tommy Miller, Frederick Turpack, and Patrick Turpack (Candace) and their children Rhyloh, Evie and Zadie,. She also is survived by her aunt Argena Rinella Mossman of Greenville, Pa., her aunt and uncle, Melva and Leo Minotti of Henrietta, N.Y., and many cousins and friends.
The family will advise regarding a future memorial service in Greenville, Pa. A recognition event also will be scheduled in Austin later this spring. Memorial gifts may be sent to:
Longhorn Foundation The University of Texas/Athletics PO Box 7399 Austin, TX 78713-7399 Attention: Rob Heil (note Bonci Sports Medicine Endowment on checks)
Personal notes of condolences may be sent to: Frederick Bonci 462 S. Dallas Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was a classmate of Tina at The University of Rhode Island from 1977-1979 in a Physical Education masters program. I learned of her passing recently by just searching for her on the net. I knew she went on to distinguish herself in the field of sports medicine and athletic training. I remember her as friendly, bright, caring and passionate in all she did. My sincere condolences to her family.
Pat Bernardo
March 7, 2020
I am in total shock. I finally emailed her in 2013 and we caught up on a lot of years past. She was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Stretch
November 29, 2014
Condolences to Tina's family, as well as all of her UT Longhorn family. You all have an angel watching over you now.
Diane M McCoy
April 1, 2014
I'm so proud to have known Tina as a neighbor and childhood friend. She lived her life with magnificence and so many lives were touched by her spirit. She lived everyday with ~~ Dignity & Grace ~~
March 18, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy to the Bonci family. I grew up with Tina and sisters and have lots of fond memories living across the street from the restaurant, and enjoying their friendship. God be with the Bonci family.
Maria (Haverdick) Kerekes
March 17, 2014
I am stunned and so saddened by Tina's untimely passing. We grew up together in Greenville. Our parents were best friends. "Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."
Sleep well dear lady. You will be missed.
MICHAEL A Crognale
March 17, 2014
I was a little girl in a ponytail. She was a college kid coaching a summer softball league. I remember feeling so proud when she would let me stand beside her at the plate during practice, catching balls from the infielders. She had a way of helping me to see my own value, even as a young kid. Reading about the lives she has touched over the years, I am grateful to have felt her compassionate spirit even then. She was probably my first strong female role model/mentor/idol. I loved her, and I have never forgotten her. I always thought our paths might cross again. RIP, Tina Bonci.
Joanna Gerdy
March 16, 2014
Even though I hadn't seen Tina for many years I remember her as a kind, funny, helpful person. I am truly saddened by her passing. My sincerest sympathies to her family and friends.
Suzie Boehm-Resinger
March 15, 2014
I remember Tina as a cute little girl - I knew and loved the Bonci Family with many happy memories of the entire family.
Darlene Cook
March 14, 2014
Tina has left us with many fond memories. A super smile and bright eyes that will shine forever. And a great laugh that we'll continue to hear just by the mention of her name. Peaceful journey in heaven to a dear classmate. Sympathy to your families for their loss. Patricia McConnell-Beatty
March 13, 2014
Heartfelt sympathy to the family of my dear classmate, Tina. I will always remember her infectious smile and silly laugh. Peaceful rest dear Tina. Hugs! Patsy Veado Gilmore
March 13, 2014
Very sorry to hear of Tina's passing. Remember her fondly from 1 st grade at St Mike's on. My deepest sympathies.
Jon Burns
Jon Burns
March 13, 2014
Tina was our patient for many years. We loved her enthusiasm and lust for sports and life. She will be dearly missed by us all
Tarrytown Dental
March 13, 2014
Tina was one of our patients for many years and we are truly saddened to hear of her passing. She was a remarkable women and will be missed by all who knew her. Our deepest sympathy is extended to her family at this most difficult time.
The Office and staff of
Dr Jane C Nelson
Nancy, Lauren and Emily
Nancy Lehde
March 13, 2014
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