A. George Buono

George Buono passed away peacefully in his Punta Gorda home on December 30th after 95 wonderful years on this earth. He was a devoted husband to Deanne for 51 years and loving father to their eight children – Frank (Denise) Buono, Mary (Tom) Raguso, Angela (Mark) Rickel, Tom (Monica) Buono, Deborah (Jack) Burton, Timothy (Margie) Saunders, Jeanne (John) Weaver, and Matthew Saunders. He was blessed with sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren whom he adored. George is also survived by his brother Emiddio C. (Mary Ann) Buono and by his beloved nieces and nephew. He was proceeded in death by his parents Francesco and Angelina Buono and by his sister Nancy (Malcolm) Perry. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for Jesus. Although he spoke very little English when he began primary school (Italian was spoken in his home), George excelled in his studies. After high school graduation and before college he worked for Chrysler Corporation, pulling heat-treated bumpers from a very hot furnace. This tough and dirty job further inspired him to focus on his education. After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Detroit, he proudly served his country at the United States Army Ordinance Depot in Nancy, France. Upon his honorable release from active-duty George returned to Detroit and spent forty-three years working for Manufacturers Bank, retiring as VP of Operations. It was his honor to represent Manufacturers Bank as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Clearing House Association (MACHA). Throughout his career with the bank, George led many important and interesting projects, including the selling of banking services to the United Auto Workers Union. He often recalled the story of one of his most difficult marketing efforts; convincing customers to take advantage of an entirely new process – the automatic deposit of their social security benefit checks. George took great satisfaction in coaching and developing young banking professionals and he spent many evenings teaching as a member of the American Institute of Banking faculty. He taught for decades and was a beloved and highly decorated instructor. George learned to love boating years before his retirement; he and Dee spent countless joyful weekends boating in and around the Great Lakes and each held a 5-ton captain's license. They were actively involved with the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, the GPW Boat Club, Power Squadron and loved their time spent on "Club" Island. George was also a long-time member of the GP War Memorial Men's Club. After his retirement, George and Dee spent more time in Florida and George quickly entrenched in his new community, joining three computer clubs, a woodworking club, and the Isles Yacht Club, in addition to leading various committees at his church. George genuinely loved his retirement life in Punta Gorda and he and his bride were blessed with a life of fun and a community filled with loving neighbors and friends. Funeral services will be held at Charlotte Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Punta Gorda on Friday, January 9th at 11AM, with visitation starting at 10AM and a luncheon to follow the service. A private burial will be held the following week in Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Church of the Cross – with designation to the Stephen Ministry team. Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit organization that trains lay persons to provide one-to-one, Christ centered care to people experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization and other life difficulties.