Joseph M. Bonanno

Waterford - Joseph M. Bonanno, 85, of Waterford, entered eternal life on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, in the comfort of his loving family at home.

He was born Oct. 9, 1925 in New London, the son of the late Thomas and Filippa (Prinzivalle) Bonanno. He attended local schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Aleutian Islands where Japan landed on U.S. soil off the coast of Alaska. He was united in marriage to the former Pauline Giacalone on June 22, 1946 in St. Joseph Church, Mrs. Bonanno survives him. Mr. Bonanno was employed at Electric Boat for 38 years as a core-maker, retiring in 1988.

Joe was a gifted athlete, playing for the Shaw Street Football League. He played for the New London fast pitch league and was a catcher. He was an avid New York Yankee and Giants fan. Joe was a devoted, active member at St. Paul's Church in Waterford and St. Joseph's Church in New London. Joe is best known as a loving and caring family man, who always put his family first. He was the pillar of our family, and always enjoyed when his wife of 65 years, Pauline, and all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren where with him. All who knew him and loved him, knew him as "Uncle Joe". He will be greatly missed, but his sense of strong family values will go on through what he taught us all over the years. Joe (Nunno) cherished his family and always kept them together, he will continue to as he watches down upon us.

He is survived by a son, Thomas Bonanno and companion, Robin Lapointe, of Cromwell; A daughter and son in-law, Phylis and George Strutt of Waterford. Five siblings, Michael Bonanno of New London, Dominic Bonanno of Waterford, Mary Gruss, Rose Drennan and Vera Crane all of Florida. Four grandchildren, Lori Birchall and fiance, John Herde, David & Deborah Strutt, Lindsey Jones and Thomas Bonanno Jr.; four great- grandchildren, Connor and Brianna Birchall, Cody and Chantz Jones.

He was predeceased by his step-father, Bartolo Tranchida.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave. New London. The funeral will assemble at 9 a.m. Saturday and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at l0 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, New London. Entombment will be in St. Mary Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

We would like to thank all the nurses and staff members who helped us through this difficult time. A special thank you to the VNA nurse, Michelle for her help and the care she provided Joe.