Phillip Joseph Bonacorso

1938 - 2021

Phillip Joseph Bonacorso, 82, passed away September 25th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 12 p.m. on Friday, October 1st, at St. James Catholic Church, Liberty, MO. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to One Community Hospice or the Visiting Nurses Association

Phil was born November 23rd, 1938, in Kansas City, MO to John and Emma (Ciarlelli) Bonacorso. In his younger years, he was an avid baseball player, and a tenor in his doo-wop group ‘The Uniques’. He always loved baseball, entertaining, and music. The first time our father laid eyes on our mother, Mary Theresa (Gravino), was in the Fall of 1960 outside of The Vista Theater. They were later married on April 4th, 1964. Over the course of their marriage, they had five beautiful children, and nine beautiful grandchildren. Family was his everything. We were always first and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for us.

For 34 years he was a Teamster at Local 41. He worked the truck lines, Hyman Freightways, Churchill, and CF. His love for baseball carried over into his coaching for many years and the stories that his players had were priceless. He enjoyed golfing weekly with family and friends, and many laughs were had on the golf course. He organized luncheons at Anthony’s Restaurant once a month with all the guys he once played ball with. He loved being surrounded by family and friends, he knew no stranger. If you knew him you loved him, his personality was like no other.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents John and Emma Bonacorso; his brother John “Biscuit” Bonacorso; father-in-law and mother-in-law Rocco and Virginia Gravino; sister-in-law Charlotte (Shatzy) Bonacorso; and nephews Johnny Joe Bonacorso and Rocky Ratajczyk.

Phil is survived by his wife of 57 years Mary Theresa; son Nick (Julie); daughters RoxAnn Cannova (Sal), Jennifer Lajam (Salim), Felicia Hall (Steven), and Alaina Bonacorso; his grandchildren whom he adored Halania, Dominick, Caroline, Bianca, Cara, Dominique, Salvatore, Gianna, and Valencia; brother Bobby Joe Bonacorso; and sisters-in-law Kathy Bonacorso and Rosemarie Beeler.

Pallbearers: Gene Shepherd, John Anthony Bonacorso, Joe John Bonacorso, Joe Vic Mandacina, Michael Bonacorso,  Joe Mike Mandacina, Vito Spino, and Vito Joe LaBruzzo.

Honorary Pallbearers: RJ Stasi, Joe Bonacorso Sr., John Mandacina, Butch Spino, Nick LaBruzzo, Jimmy Scola, Carl Occhipinto, Joe Labella, Joe Mike Leggio, Tony Conforti,  Anthony Spino, Nicky Ralph LaBruzzo, Phill Serrone, Petey Genova, Phil Licata, Joe Phil Mandacina, Paul Licata, John Anthony Mandacina, Mike Mange and Anthony Inzenga.

Our family would like to thank One Community Hospice and the Visiting Nurses Association for their loving care and support through this difficult time.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com