PHILIP BONANNO

BONANNO, Philip Of East Falmouth, formerly of Medfield, MA, passed away peacefully, on August 13, 2025. He will be remembered lovingly by his five children: Michael Bonanno, Veronica Battisti (husband, Robert Green), Ann Peabody (husband, Brian), Andrea Bonanno and Matthew Bonanno; and four grandchildren: Nicole Battisti Schaefer, Allison Battisti, Sarah Peabody and Charles Peabody; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by Maureen, his beloved wife of 62 years; and his sister, Irene Lauletta. When asked about his proudest accomplishment, without hesitation Phil declared it was marrying Maureen and having his children, as family is the best legacy one can leave. Phil's parents were Italian immigrants, his father, Francesco, a bricklayer and his mother, Anna (Lombardi) a homemaker, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the opportunities afforded by hard work and education. Phil embodied the American dream, a proud first-generation American who embraced the values of integrity, perseverance and generosity. He distinguished himself with a lifetime of professional excellence and service to the community. Phil grew up in Union City, NJ, where he attended Emerson High School and was a star athlete in both football and basketball. Phil attended Columbia College, where he earned a B.A. in 1954, B.S. Civil Engineering in 1955, and M.S. Civil Engineering in 1964. He was an active player on the Columbia Lions football team. A dedicated alumni, he proudly wore his Lions ball cap and named his boat "C-Lion." Recognizing the importance of education, Phil endowed a scholarship at Columbia University in 1996, to support future engineers. Phil began his career at Arthur A. Johnson and Peter Kiewit Sons' Corporation in New York, working for 13 years on projects involving subway construction, the Erie Canal and the Verrazano Bridge. In 1968, Phil moved his family to Medfield, Massachusetts, where he joined J.F. White Contracting Company. Under Phil's leadership for three decades, the company expanded and completed projects including the Patriots' Shaefer Stadium, the Charles River Dam, MBTA tunnels, South Station renovation, and several Central Artery projects including the Ted Williams Tunnel. Phil was a lifetime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a member of the Moles, and served as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. He was a registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. He served on the Board of Directors of the Construction Industries of Massachusetts and the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts. Phil was presented with the CIM Award in 1999 for his career contributions to the construction industry. Phil was a resident of Medfield and East Falmouth, MA. He cherished Cape Cod as a sanctuary and spent years creating a home that served as his family's gathering place. Phil traveled often to Latronico, Italy to visit his mother, sister Irene and her family. After retirement, Phil and Maureen spent many enjoyable years traveling the world and hosting memorable visits with their children and grandchildren. An avid boater, Phil was instrumental in the restoration of Green Pond Marina in East Falmouth, ensuring it would remain a vibrant place for the local boating community for years to come. Throughout his lifetime, Phil learned lessons in taking risks, the importance of teamwork, and using integrity as a guidepost. In both his professional career and personal endeavors, Phil always encouraged people to take pride in their work, learn from experience, teach others what they know, and be proud of their accomplishments. Phil made a tremendous impact on the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues. He always had an entertaining story to tell, resulting in laughter and wisdom shared. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 475 Main Street, FALMOUTH, MA, on Wednesday, August 20, from 4 - 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Parish, 167 E. Falmouth Hwy., Falmouth, MA, on Thursday, August 21, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Phil's family has established a Maureen and Philip Bonanno Scholarship Fund at St. Joseph's Parish. Donations can be made to: St. Joseph's Parish, 167 East Falmouth Highway, East Falmouth, MA 02536. Please note the Bonanno Scholarship Fund. Thank you. Chapman Funerals & Cremations Falmouth, chapmanfuneral.com