Michael J. Bonasera Sr.

BONASERA Michael J. Bonasera Sr., 94, of Warren, passed away Saturday morning, October 24, 2009 at St. Joseph Health Center. Michael was born April 13, 1915 in Buffington, Pa., the son of Pasquale and Ninfa Danca Bonasera. Michael was a 1934 graduate of Hickory High School and came to Warren in 1942 from Sharon, Pa., where he had lived since 1920. He was a veteran of WWII, having served in the Army Transportation Corps., and attaining the rank of Sergeant. His military service included tours of duty in England and the Philippines. Michael retired in 1980 from American Welding, where he was a machine operator for 32 years. He was an award-winning machinist, and was one of the first machinists to machine parts for Jet and Rocket engines. He was a great teacher and was able to pass on his vast knowledge to future generations of machinists. He was a member of St. Mary's Church, and enjoyed traveling, golf, tending to his garden, and music, and had taught accordion lessons for 45 years. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Lena R. Maggiano Bonasera, who he married October 10, 1942; a daughter, Janet M. (Charles) Richards of Warren; 2 sons, Michael J. (Susan) Bonasera Jr. of Seattle, Wash., Atty. Thomas J. (Julie) Bonasera of Columbus; 14 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and a son-in-law, Dan Matthews of Coos Bay, Ore. A daughter Mary Lee Matthews, a brother Charles Bonasera, and sisters Constance LaMagro, Grace Ciolfi, Sunda Sebastian, Josephine Roman, Rose Russo, and Mary Welch preceded him in death. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, October 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church with Celebrant Fr. Bernard Schmalzried, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. service at the PETER ROSSI & SON MEMORIAL CHAPEL. Calling hours will be today from 4-7 p.m., and Monday morning from 9-9:30 a.m. at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at All Souls Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 26210 Emery Road, Suite 307, Cleveland, Oh. 44128.