Matthew J. Bonelli

Matthew J. Bonelli

October 10, 2024

West Palm Beach, Florida - Matthew J. Bonelli of West Palm Beach, passed away unexpectedly on October 10th, 2024. He was born to parents Matthew and Ada Bonelli and was raised in Bellerose, New York with his two older brothers.

In 1971 Matt and his parents moved to South Florida, where he attended the University of Miami, receiving his Bachelor and Masters degrees in Jazz Performance.

Matt's performances spanned numerous genres, including national touring companies of musical theater, but the biggest part of his career and the part he loved the most, was playing with so many great Miami-based musicians in the dynamic South Florida music scene.

Matt joined the Bee Gees Rhythm Section in 1993. He appeared with them on television, video, and tours in the US, Europe, South Africa, Australia, and South America.

As an educator, Matt taught at the University of Miami, FIU, and Miami-Dade College. In 2022 he finished his teaching career by retiring from Miami-Dade College, Kendall Campus, as the Jazz Department Coordinator for 15 years.

Matt is much loved by his family, fellow musicians, and students, because of his talent, humor, caring, and kind compassion for others.

Matt will be deeply missed by his loving wife Terry of 47 years, sisters-in-law Rosemary and Lois, nephew Chris, niece Sarah and her family Mike Burstein and son Aiden, niece Jillian and her husband David Burstein and children Chris, John, and Jacob.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday November 17th at 2:00 p.m., at Plantation United Methodist church, 1001 Northwest 70th avenue, Plantation, Florida 33313.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to give.curepsp.org/Bonelli2024, in memory of Matt's brother John.