RENE BONNETTE

RENE BONNETTE LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Rene Bonnette, 88, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2010. Rene was born November 10, 1921 in Burlington, Vt. He was the son of Joseph and Albertha Bonnette. He attended Nazareth Grammar School (St. Joseph's) and Cathedral High School (Rice Memorial) graduating in 1940. Rene answered the call of his country, along with other members of the "greatest generation," and served honorably in the United States Navy for 3.5 years during World War II. Discharged in Dec. 1945, Rene took advantage of the GI Bill to become the first member of his family to graduate from college. Rene received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Vermont in 1950. Prior to graduation, Rene married the love of his life, Marie Janice Fabricco, on Aug. 29, 1949 and remained committed to Marie and his growing family, celebrating his 60th anniversary on Aug. 29, 2009. Rene began his employment with General Electric in 1950 at the GE Lakeside plant in Burlington, Vt. working there as an engineer for 32 years until retiring in 1984. In 1995, Rene and Marie relocated to the sunnier climate of Las Vegas, Nev., where they enjoyed an active life in their new community. Throughout the years, Rene enjoyed a variety of activities ranging from sailing to golf, music, computers, following the stock market and trips to the casinos. The thing Rene enjoyed more than anything else, however, was spending time with his family. Whether at an annual family camping trip or an extended family gathering, he always felt most comfortable among the family he loved so much. His guidance and affection will be sorely missed. Rene is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marie, two sons, Michael of Las Vegas and Thomas and his wife Leslie of Shelburne, three daughters, Mary Louise Pittman and husband David of Spring Texas, Diana Deller of Naugatuck, Conn., and Monica Eversole of Cypress, Texas. He also leaves his brother Paul and wife Blanche of Burlington, his sister Marjorie and husband Bruno of Colchester, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his eldest son Peter in 2003. Memorial services will be held Friday, June 11, 2010 in Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, 1811 Pueblo Vista Drive, Las Vegas, Nev. 89128.