Peter Robert Bonitatibus Jr

Peter Robert Bonitatibus Jr., 71, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at Regional Hospice in Danbury, Connecticut. A longtime resident of Monroe, Peter arrived in this world on February 8, 1955, in Cambridge, Massachusetts — and from the very beginning, he seemed determined to make life kinder, warmer, and funnier for everyone around him.

Peter graduated from Arlington High School, Class of 1973, and later attended Boston State College. He spent his life feeding people — not just with food, but with love, mischief, and the kind of laughter that comes from deep within. As the head of the Easton Elementary School lunch program, he didn't just serve meals; he served comfort, creativity, and the occasional surprise that made children light up. He believed that food could be a hug, and he gave out thousands of them.

He raised his autistic stepson, Jason Klein, guiding him through school and programs with patience, devotion, and unwavering love — giving Jason confidence and support every step of the way.

Peter's humor was legendary — the kind that could dissolve tension, lift spirits, and make even the saddest person crack a smile. His weekly card games with his closest friends will never be the same; the table will feel a little emptier, the jokes a little quieter, and the snacks far less imaginative.

Peter's heart was enormous, especially when it came to animals. He championed the SPCA, PETA, and any creature with fur, whiskers, or a tail. Over the years, countless rescue dogs and cats found not just a home with Peter, but a loving sanctuary. If there's a heaven for animals — and Peter would insist there is — he walked into it surrounded by a stampede of grateful paws.

He leaves behind his beloved husband of 37 years, Fred Klein, the great love and steadfast companion of his life; his stepson, Jason Klein; his sister Linda and her husband Robert Kenrick; his brother Daniel and his wife Karen Bonitatibus; and countless friends, nieces, and nephews — the jewels of his affection. He is reunited with his parents, Peter Bonitatibus Sr. and Anna Santamaria, who surely welcomed him with open arms and a home-cooked Italian meal.

Peter's memory will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him — in every shared laugh, every rescued animal, every meal made with love, and every moment of kindness offered without hesitation. His legacy is simple and profound: leave the world happier than you found it.