FUNERAL HOME

Connell Funeral Home, Inc.

245 E. Broad Street

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Michael Buonassi Obituary

Coach Mike Buonassi
Michael Buonassi, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Vincent Buonassi and Michelina (Malfese) and husband of the late Eleanor (Sniscak), married 57 years. He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy 91st Battalion Seabee Division in the Pacific Islands. He earned masters degrees from both Baylor and Lehigh Universities and taught in the Bethlehem Area School District for 34 years. He began teaching at Washington Jr. High, where he was the head coach of wrestling, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He spent a year in Macapa, Brazil as Supervisor and Director of the American Language Schools for the Bethlehem Steel Mining Department. He returned to teaching at Washington and became the head coach of Lehighs Lacrosse Team. He was also a certified official of both high school and collegiate sports. Then, a new chapter began: Liberty High School Social Studies teacher and soccer coach. At Liberty, Mike coached seven undefeated soccer teams, winning six Eastern Scholastic League Championships and eleven District XI Championship Titles. His players won acclaim throughout the country. He still is the winningest Soccer Coach in Liberty history in 13 seasons with 126 wins, 8 losses, and 16 ties. After coaching, he became Liberty High Schools Athletic Director. He donated and began the tradition of the Battle of the Bell Athletic Competition between Liberty and Freedom. Mike was well known for running the roads at Lehighs Athletic Fields with his white German Shepherd at his side. He was Cross Country Coach at Liberty and ran with the LVAA Runners Club, competing in Eastern PA races, winning first and second place in his age group. He has completed many marathons including Boston and NYC. In late retirement, he enjoyed the company of the Lehigh Athletes, working outside, and reading. Mike was a parishioner of the former Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church. Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Amy; and his brother, Joe. Services: A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m., at Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 to 11 a.m., both in the funeral home. The family asks that you please share a memory of Mike at www.connellfuneral.com.

Published by Morning Call on Apr. 3, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Buonassi

Not sure what to say?





Coach Buonassi taught me life lessons never to be forgotten, and honed us clueless teens into a winning team on the soccer field at Liberty. An inspiration in my life. RIP

Jim Sotzing

April 18, 2013

I will always remember Mr. Buonassi as my 6th grade teacher at Washington Jr High, he was the best. I remember when he said to our parents how he could use me and my two other sister's on the boys team in sports "only if we were boys". He will be missed but never forgotten. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

The Kent Girls
Bethlehem, PA

April 17, 2013

Although I wasn't close to Mike, I will always be grateful for his support. In 1959 he recommended me to the coaching staff at Syracuse for a football scholarship. I was so happy that I had a chance to talk with Mike about a year ago and thank him again. God Bless you, Mike.

Ed Conti

April 6, 2013

sorry to hear about the passing of COACH BUONASSI as a member and ONE OF THE TRI CAPTAINS of 1969 soccer team HE WAS THE BEST

chuck wolk

April 5, 2013

We fondly remember Mr Buonassi from his days at Liberty and Lehigh where he impacted the lives of so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
The Whitehead Family

April 5, 2013

I had the privelege for playing for Coach Buonassi for 4 years at Liberty High School, 1962-1966, and learned many life lessons from him (Coach let me participate when I was in ninth grade). To me, Coach was the prime example of hard work, honest, and integrity.

Many things I will always remember on the practice field, but one stands out. Coach led us for 20 laps before practice setting the pace and we were not allowed to pass him.

God Bless Coach Buonassi.

Rocco Simonetta

April 5, 2013

Mr. Buonassi was a very special person, as well as teacher. Although it's been 50+ years since I was fortunate to have him as a teacher (6th grade-Washington Jr. High), I fondly remember his unique, caring, personal demeanor for all. My favorite teacher of all years has gone to his heavenly home. May he rest in peace.

Joan (Bandurich) Vargo

April 4, 2013

I remember Mr. Buonassi as an inspiring coach under whom is was a pleasure to compete. After graduation it was always great to see him at lacrosse events. He had a sharp memory for remembering the best in us.

Andrew Chepaitis

April 4, 2013

I was so sad to hear of Mr. Bounassi's passing. I was a 6th grade student of his at Washington Jr. High in 1962-63. His classroom was a little melting pot of students of all races and ethnicities from all over the world- White, Black, Latino. He cared about all of us and treated us all the same. He taught all of us well. What a beautiful legacy!

Jose Morales

April 4, 2013

On behalf of the entire Lehigh Lacrosse Family, we offer our condolences to the Buonassi family and we celebrate the life of Coach Mike... A true champion.

Kevin Cassese

April 3, 2013

Mr. Buonassi was such a good teacher in the classroom and as a coach. I hope he knew how much we appreciated him. He was the highlight of Washington Junior High School. God bless all who grieve his loss and celebrate the man.

Dennis Kozak

April 3, 2013

Amy ~
Thinking of you at this very difficult time. I picture Uncle Mike happily reunited with Aunt Eleanor and the dogs. Sending my prayers for you and the rest of the family.
~ Joni

Joni Remmel

April 3, 2013

I've spent the last 8 years working in the athletics department at Lehigh University. I got to know "Ole Mike" through casual conversation about sports and life at Lehigh. He was a generous and caring individual and was truly a pleasure to know. I will miss seeing him walking around asking questions about our teams here at LU. Rest in piece Coach Buonassi.

Brian White

April 3, 2013

Mike was such a great man. As a teacher and coach he was loved by many. I ran my first marathon with him as my coach. He will be missed.

Bill Ruth

April 3, 2013

Eleanor and Mike, a perfect couple and classmate of Liberty HS, class of 1942.

Elsie Spirk Pribula

April 3, 2013

Sad news to learn of the passing of Mike Buonassi. Mike was a caring and generous man, a highly successful coach and a gentleman. I was privileged to learn of his experiences and hear his wisdom on many topics during the time he spent on Lehigh's Goodman Campus. I will miss him. My condolences and sympathy to Mike's family and friends and the many who were impacted positively by his life.

Joe Sterrett

April 3, 2013

Heaven has taken on a dear man. Coach Buonassi was an inspiration to me as a student-athleteat Liberty High School and as a friend. His passion for running at Lehigh University inspired all that had the opportunity to meet and run with him. A humble and great human being.

Andy Lukievics

April 3, 2013

I was a student of Mr. Buonassi's at Washington Jr. High in the 1950's. I still remember him as one of the niceest teachers ever. Through the years my friend Nancy (Gasper) Terplan and I would still bring up his name, because he was a special teacher and person to never forget.

Mrs. Mary (Swegel) Hassay

April 3, 2013

Amy
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your dad. He was an awesome teacher and really cared about his students. May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Beverly Mackaravitz-Recchiuti

April 3, 2013

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Buonassi's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Buonassi

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Connell Funeral Home, Inc.

245 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

How to support Michael's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Buonassi's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more