John Farrell "Jay" Bonfatti

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.

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.

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.

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....

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...

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...

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....

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

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.