Alexander Sonny Buonanno

METHUEN — Alexander (Sonny) Buonanno passed away Sunday, July 6, 2008 after living with cancer for the past six months, with his family by his side.

He was born in Montecatini, Italy, and came to this country at the age of 2 years-old. Sonny lived his younger years in Lawrence, attended St. Patrick's Grammar School and was a 1963 graduate of Central Catholic where he played on the football team. He then went on to Washington Prep in Washington, but had to leave to run his family's restaurant "Sonny's" on Essex Street after his father's sudden death.

In 1969 he married his wife Brenda. Sonny and his wife owned the "Essex Deli Haus" on Essex Street for several years. They also owned "479 Essex Street," an after hours night club. Sonny also worked for Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, was also a City Constable for seven years and worked Big Brother Association. For the past 20 years he and his wife owned and operated Hayes Tavern on South Union Street in Lawrence.

Sonny enjoyed life, has many friends, liked playing golf at Merrimack Golf Course, bocce ball at the son's of Italy where he was a member. But most of all he loved traveling, going to beaches and the White Mountains with his wife and their daughter.

Mr. Buonanno is survived by his wife of 39 years, Brenda (Giovanni) Buonanno; their daughter, Lori Buonanno; mother, Adriana (Nardone) Buonanno; brother-in-law, Dennis Giovanni and his wife Patricia; nieces, Keri Giovanni, Lynn Giovanni; nephews, Dennis Giovanni, Christopher Giovanni, all of Methuen; three great-nieces, one great-nephew and several cousins.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends may call on Friday, July 11, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 7:45 a.m., with a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. at St. Monica Church, 214 Lawrence St., Methuen. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. Please visit our online guestbook at www.cataudellafh.com.