Ernest A. Bonanno Jr.

Ernest A. Bonanno, Jr. of San Diego, Calif., formerly of Canonsburg, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Ernie was born on October 22, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late Ernest A. Bonanno, Sr. and Leona Kuszaj Bonanno. Upon graduation in 1959 from Chartiers Houston High School, he joined the navy and was an electronic technician 2nd class, stationed in Naples, Italy. During his service there, he extinguished a terrible fire on the base and the navy rewarded him for his heroic act. In May 1966 he married Carol Nockey who predeceased him in 2024. He is survived by his devoted children, son Paul (Tammy) and daughter Stacy (David) Robe,grandchildren Russell, Cassondra, Jonathan, Jake and Samantha. Also surviving are brothers, Bob (Shirley) Bonanno, Sr. and John (Bemice) Bonanno, and nephews, nieces and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his treasured sister, Shirlee. He was very involved with the Canonsburg Jaycees and even helped start new chapters. He was instrumental in the annual Cadillac Banquet that everyone enjoyed and he was totally engrossed in anything positive for Canonsburg. He was a very creative artist who could draw anything and would have been successful had he pursued this fully. He was a graduate of Robert Morris College with a degree in Business. Ernie began his business career at RCA, Meadowlands, Pa, first as an electronic technician, then manager to eventually being promoted to plant superintendent. In the mid-eighties, RCA was in transition and decided to move the broadcast division back to New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, the decision was made for Ernie to relocate the hand-held division (with the new name TAC-TEC) to San Diego, Calif. With very little support from management, Ernie was unable to hire the dedicated and skilled labor force that he once relied on at the Meadowlands facility and it eventually dissolved. Ernie was proud of his Italian and Polish heritage and enjoyed the traditions of both nationalities. He also liked anything John Wayne, the Steelers, the San Diego Chargers (disappointed when they left) and the San Diego Padres. One of his prized possessions is an autograph of Joe DiMaggio that he had when his father took him to Yankee Stadium as a youngster and met the Yankee great. Ernie's Catholic faith was important to him and he was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was proud to wear the uniforms of the U.S. Navy and the Regalia of the Knights. He was faithful not just to God but to his country and his family. He was a good son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was always optimistic and willing to help anyone in need and his personality generated many friends who enjoyed being in his company. He is already greatly missed. Funeral services are pending in San Diego, Calif.