Francis J. "Monk" Bonasorte

1957 - 2016

Francis J. (Monk) Bonasorte, 59, passed away Saturday, November 19th after his courageous fight with cancer. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, to Charles and Mary Ann Bonasorte. Monk is survived by his wife of 26 years, Beverly and two sons TJ and Rocky. He is also survived by Charles Bonasorte, Peter J. Coppola, Annabelle Martin, Tim Lawrence, Robert (Ruth) Lawrence, and David (Bonny) Lawrence.

Monk graduated from Bishop Boyle High School and was a standout football player recognized by Western Pennsylvania Footfall League as an all-star tight end. Monk (#42) was inducted into FSU's Hall of Fame in 1995. He played from 1977-80. Bonasorte was a former walk on who ended his career as one of the best defensive backs in FSU history. Florida State's second of all-time career interception leader with 15 and was the Seminoles career leader for eleven years ('80 - '91). He recorded eight interceptions during his junior season ranking him fourth in the nation. He tied an FSU single-season record for interceptions that season and added four more interceptions as a senior while recovering three fumbles and blocking a kick. Monk graduated from FSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology.

Monk scouted for the USFL Jacksonville Bulls ('84-'86) and Suncoast Sports Management, Inc. He served as the Executive Director of Corporate Sales for Bally Total Fitness (Scandinavian, US Swim, Matrix, Holiday, and Vic Tanny). He was Vice President of US Total Fitness in Rochester, NY and in 1993 returned to Tallahassee as a manager for Gold's Gym. Bonasorte spent seven years working with the Elmont Sports Group. He served as the Assistant General Manager for the Tallahassee Scorpions, an indoor professional soccer team and the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks ('97-'99) hockey team. He was the Vice President and General Manager for the Arena Football League, Tallahassee Thunder (1999-2003). Monk spent 13 years as President and Executive Director of FSU's Varsity Club, where he helped build it into one of the top organizations of its kind in the country.

He joined the FSU athletic department's executive staff as a Senior Associate Athletic Director in 2008 where he oversaw the department's internal operations as well as FSU's highly-successful football, soccer and softball programs. He served on many committees including ACC Officiating Committee ('08-'11), College Football Playoff Game Advisory Group, and the Rose Bowl Committee Advisory Group. His football acumen provided him with numerous speaking opportunities such as serving as the analyst for Seminole IMG Sports Network pregame radio show (1997-2015), presenting to Seminole booster meetings around the country and providing chalk talk for the FSU's President's tailgate.

He was most proud of his role as father to his two outstanding sons, TJ and Rocky. Monk devoted countless hours to his sons' scholarly and athletic endeavors. He even served as the Buck Lake Elementary School PTO president and recognized as Leon County Schools Volunteer of the Year. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held, Bobby Bowden Field, Doak Campbell Stadium, Monday, November 28, 2016, at 3 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the Monk Bonasorte Free Safety Position Scholarship has been established through Seminole Boosters, Inc. for friends and family in his honor. Details on making donations can be found at one.fsu.edu/boosters/Monk (link) or by calling Seminole Boosters at 850-644-3484.