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Robert Bonaventura Obituary
SMSGT, USAF, Ret.
Born July 4, 1946 in Bridgeport, CT. Bob proudly served his country in two branches of the military, the USMC and the USAF for total 27 years, retiring in 1991. After his retirement he worked for Army ROTC at Creighton University. Bob passed away surrounded by his family and friends after being diagnosed with cancer two months ago. Bob's true passion in life was entertaining and cooking for family and friends. Preceded in death by mother, Sylvia (Romano) Bonaventura, Papillion, NE, formerly of Bridgeport, CT, father, Carmen Bonaventura, Bridgeport, CT; and grandson Logan Alan Haskin. Bob was united in marriage to his loving wife and soul mate, Jeanette (Elsasser) Bonaventura on April 20, 1979 in Atwater, CA. Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanette; and three daughters, Kim (Alan) Haskin, Seward, NE, Nikki (Steffon) Adolf, LaVista, NE and Kristine (Pete) Merrill, Clarinda, IA; grandchildren, Ryan, Candice, Austin, Jacob, Travus, Jarrod and Lylly; brothers, Gerald Bonaventura, Fairfield, CT, Leonard Bonaventura, Shelton, CT and Jimmy Bonaventura, Royal Palm Beach, FL; sister, Karen Bonaventura, Bridgeport, CT; a very special and loved Aunt Edith (John) Mraz, Stratford, CT; aunts, uncles, nieces, multiple cousins and many very dear and loved friends.
VISITATION Wednesday 1-8pm with the family receiving friends from 6-8pm all at the Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, Papillion. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Thursday 10:30am at the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha NE. Private Inurnment. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society. KAHLER DOLCE
441 N. Washington St. Papillion, NE
402-339-3232
www.kahlerdolcemortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bonaventura
Thom Hartsock
September 12, 2024
Prayers for my NCOIC at Castle AFB, Ca, and friend! Don´t know if you remember me Jeanette, I´d like to wish You and Bob´s Loved Ones, Good Health, Happiness and Prosperity. God Bless...the (Italian Stallion) Sarge!
Thom Hartsock
February 1, 2022
Bob, was my NCOIC at Castle AFB, Ca. 1977-79. My favorite Sargent while I served. Invited my wife and me to dinner at his home many times before he married Janette. God Bless you and your loved ones Sarg...in my prayers.
It's All About The Soldier, Never Forget!
Johnathan Hurwitz
November 11, 2012
Bob you mentored me well, you will be missed and never forgotten. V/R
MAJ(P) Johnathan M. Hurwitz
November 5, 2012
Jeanette, thank you for sharing this page with me. Bob was like a father figure to me as a young airman in England. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Lisa Smidt (Peyton, CO)
Sharon Costanzo-Zozzaro
November 2, 2012
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing.We went to school together at St. Charles & Harding High School. His mom and my family lived right around the corner from each other. He was a funny guy and will be missed by many who loved him.
Jim & Nancy Gabel
October 8, 2012
Jeanett you know how much Jim and I loved you both. We will missed Bob so much and his dry sense of humor. Our girls are so sadden about Bob's passing. Our friends that have met him at our house can't believe he's gone. We all send you and the girls our Love and Prayers.
Mary Kay Seminar 2007 with Bob on the left and Jeannette in the middle
Elizabeth Franks
October 3, 2012
Jenny Schmidt
September 25, 2012
Jimmy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Please know that we are thinking about you in this difficult time.
Jenny Schmidt and Family (Valerie Bonaventura's Sister)
Deb Banchor
September 24, 2012
Jeanette and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Coming to the dentist office isn't the place that most people think they will be special to someone, but Bob was certainly that for me. Getting to know him over the years was a true joy and I always knew that when he was on my schedule for the day I would have smiles, laughs, and a wonderful hug at the end of the appointment. He will be missed! You are all in my prayers. God bless you, Bob, and thank you for brightening up my days.
Nick Salce
September 24, 2012
Jeannette and Family,
I am very sorry here of Bob's passing. You are all in our prayers.
I only knew Bob from the one time I came to Omaha with my Grandma Connie. You and Bob were very warm and welcoming. It was a brief visit, but it left a memorable impression with me.
Rita D'Aiuto Maggi
September 22, 2012
Karen, My heart goes out to you and your family. A loss of two cherished people in a short time is truly devistating. Praying for you all. May you find peace in your memories with your brother.
September 20, 2012
Jeanette, Kim, Nikki, Christine. Our cousin Bobby will be missed very much and all the memories I having growing up with Bob. It was a joy meeting you and Bob in England with the girls when Bob was station there. I know he loved serving this courntry.
Cousin Angie and Charlie Ward
Angela White
September 20, 2012
I worked with Bob at FT Lewis for camp. He was such a joy to work with, and he kept our spirits high on the rough days. May God bless and keep you in your time of surrow, and know BOB will be missed by all that knew him.
Mike Simpson
September 20, 2012
Glad to know you Bob. Godspeed
September 20, 2012
Jeannette,
Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. I had the opportunity to work with Bob during my years as ROTC Instructor at Creighton University. He had a great sense of humor; I will never forget the times we played pool, the times we travel to Ft. Riley and the times we escaped to enjoy spaghetti for lunch. He loved you very much.
Cesar Cruz Bonet
Rick Dahlmann
September 20, 2012
Thoughts and prayers – Bob was a great man
Jenifer Breaux
September 20, 2012
Bob touched so many lives and his life long service to our nation is to be applauded. He was a great friend and always brought a smile and laughter to all. My heart is sad because he is not here with us in person, but glad to know he is watching over us from heaven.
Rick Dahlmann
September 20, 2012
Thoughts and prayers – Bob was a great man
Randy Pierce
September 20, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Troy Krings
September 19, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeanette and family during this difficult time. It was an honor to work with Bob at Creighton. He had a great impact on everyone he met and will be greatly missed by many.
Jeff Jones
September 19, 2012
Jeannette,
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Bob was a special man who touched many lives, and had a very positive impact on every cadet and cadre member that came through Creighton ROTC program.
Beth
September 19, 2012
What a tremedous loss Creighton has endured this week. My heart is "heavy," but full of Gratitude. Prayers to you, Jeanette, and to the family.
"Well done, Good and faithful Servant."
I (WE) SALUTE YOU, Bob!!!
Curt and Katrine Herrboldt
September 19, 2012
Katrine and I miss you already! God bless you, Jeanette in this time of loss. Curt and Katrine
Lisa Bethel-Didamo
September 19, 2012
There is such sadness in my heart as I write this message. I will miss seeing Bob at bowling. He had the ability to make me smile every time I saw him. (Usually caused by his shameless flirtation.) Thank you for sharing pictures of Bob in the photo gallery. What a wonderful man and a beautiful family. My thoughts are with the Bonaventuas.
Gary & Sherri Gibilisco
September 19, 2012
Jeannette and Family, today we heard of your loss. Bob was a good, kind, caring man. He was the protector of all. May God watch over you and be with you during this difficult time. It was a pleasure knowing both you and Bob.
Reg Marinaccio
September 19, 2012
Jeanette and family, Bob and I grew up together in Bridgeport. We reconnected several months ago.I am devastated to learn of his passing. We have been exchanging e-mails regularly. A funny story: As kids we were playing ball in Bob's yard and he threw me the ball in the street and I was hit by a car.He said I was the fastest kid he ever saw as I ran home.Miss ya Bob. R.I.P.friend
Katie Sharp
September 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Leslie Jaramillo
September 19, 2012
Bubba - I am shocked and saddened by the news of your passing. I will miss your big bald head and attempts at intimidation at the bowling alley! Jeanette and Nikki, I am so sorry - I will keep you and the other family members in my prayers. Much love ~
Joseph Costa
September 19, 2012
Bob, we never met but I knew you thru my son-in-law and your brother Jimmy.
We share a special bond because we were retired USAF soldiers. Your family always spoke lovingly and respectfully about you to me. I only wish I could have met you personally and will never forget the special favor you did for me with my uniform stripes. I hope some day to shake your hand in heaven. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. God Bless you and thank you for your military service.
Cindy Brinkley
September 19, 2012
Bob will be greatly missed in the Army ROTC. He was dedicated and full of energy each and everyday. Our sympathy to wife Jeannette and family, I will always remember Bob for his shiny head, easy to figure out who he was. He had such a good sence of humor. He will be missed by family, cadets and staff. Rest your soul, Bob.. The Brinkley's, KU Army ROTC, Lawrence, KS
Karen Beckman
September 19, 2012
Jeannette and Family
Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Deb Pike
September 19, 2012
There are no words adequate enough to describe Bob! Fun, great host, wonderful husband and father, protector of our Country and great human being! Thank you, Jeanette for sharing Bob with all the Mary Kay Girls! He always was on hand to help out and make us feel special! We all will miss him greatly!
Matt Johnson
September 19, 2012
A true man- strong in spirit and nature; generous in sincerity and love; solid in service, character, and friendship. Your example, memory, and legacy lives forever with my family and I. We are honored to have you as a friend and now as our angel.
Debbie O'Shea
September 19, 2012
Jeanette and Family:
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You are in our prayers during this very difficult time. God Bless.
Rick Pallat
September 19, 2012
My Name is CPT (RET) Rick Pallat. I was a student at Creighton University and have many fond memories of Bob. He always took great care of the cadets and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Jimmy Bonaventura
September 18, 2012
Bobby,
You were always there for me when i needed you please watch over all of us and i will never forget you. You were a loving Brother and i will always Love You till the day we meet again.I am heart broken and i will miss our phone calls and e-mails we shared together.
Your Loving Brother
Jimmy
John Regan
September 18, 2012
Bob and family, there are people that you meet in your journey through life that were nice to run into along the way. Then there are those, you are grateful for haven joined you in the walk. Bob, thanks for that time. You were a true friend.
Melissa Bonaventura
September 18, 2012
Aunt Jeanette,cousin Kim,and family,My heart goes out to you and I am truly saddened,Uncle Bobby will be missed greatly.I have such fond memories of all of us in Connecticut and Nyc on vacation.He ALWAYS* put a smile on my face.God be with you all-
Teresa Whitehead
September 18, 2012
Bob, I said I would be back on Tuesday. You told me to wear a hat in Disneyworld. I kept up my end of the bargain. I miss you so much already,
T
Valerie Bonaventura
September 18, 2012
MY deepest sympathy to Jeanette and Family. May you all find peace and comfort as time heals.
The ones we love are never gone, they live within our hearts...
Erik Penaherrera
September 18, 2012
Bob, i will miss you buddy, you welcomed me to Creighton ROTC, you led me in the right direction and the support was always there, i got so close to you that i saw you as a Father figure, you made a big impact in my life and i will always remember you. i will see you in heaven when the Lord calls me to pick up where we left off. Love You.
Luisa Peñaherrera
September 18, 2012
Jeanette, I'm so grateful for you and for having known Bob. He will be missed so much by our family. Erik, Sylla, Mikael, Gabriel, and Daniel, and I are blessed to have you and blessed to have had Bob in our lives. Always made us feel like family. Thank you. I will definitely miss his hugs.
Bill & Jan Martin
September 18, 2012
Jeanette and Family, Our deepest sympathies to all of you over the loss of Bob. We will always remember the fun we had and the tears of laughter. The time we spent in England together, the travelling in Europe and meeting again in the U.S. Our thoughts are with you and we will miss Bob more than we can express.
Emily Nolz
September 18, 2012
Bob had an impact on many lives and he will be dearly missed. I'm grateful for knowing him as he was an amazing man! My experience as a cadet wouldn't have been any fun with him at Creighton Army ROTC as he was the first person I met on my first real day of ROTC as a cadet! Jeannette and family may God's love embrace you during this time. My prayers go out to you! Rest in peace, Bob.
2LT Emily Nolz
Eric Blaydes
September 18, 2012
Tear filled eyes all day long, people would ask me what is wrong and I stop and tell them the story of my "Buddy Bob" ~ I'll miss you buddy.. my heart is with you and your family all the way from Okinawa Japan.
Tobias Rodriguez
September 18, 2012
Jeannette and Family
Our thoughts and prays are with you, we have such happy memories of being with you and Bob much laughter and smiles.
Bob you will be missed.
Tobias and Lorraine Rodriguez
Joyce & Mike Birch
September 18, 2012
Jeanette,Kim,Nikki,& Kristine, our deepest sympathy to you and your family with the loss of Bob. He took after his father when it came to joking around. Always making people laugh. We are also very proud of his service to our Country.
Love, Cousin Joyce
Kathy (Francl) Decker
September 18, 2012
Jeanette and Family, I am heart is so sad at the loss of Bob. He knew he was a lucky man and he loved his family and I could always see you loved him too.
The world will not be the same with out him in in. He was a breath of fresh air on any given day. God bless you all and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Simonne Cato
September 18, 2012
JJ, our hearts ache for you and your girls. May God comfort you all and bring you peace. Our spirits are lifted by the many wonderful memories of a friendship that has spanned 30 years... Vacationing in Scotland, punting the river along Cambridge University, lunch at the Ritz in London, bowling leagues and how special Thanksgiving and Christmas was in England. There was so much laughter and special times. We love and miss you, Bob. Don't harass the angels and make a pizza for us when we meet up in Heaven... we'll bring pound cake.
Tracey Jeronczyk
September 18, 2012
Bobby.. My grandma Josephine bonaventura McFarland had great stories about you and your childhood ! I rememebr the story of the your whole back tattoo! We thank you and honor you for serving our country! Also your daughters I remember very young coming to my grandma house! Rest in peace ! God bless ! Aunt Jo, cousin JOJO, and daughters Kim, Tracey and Kelly Jeroncyk
Diane Battiato
September 18, 2012
I cannot begin to express my sadness. What a dear man, Bob was. From the first time my late husband, Steve, and I worked with all of you to find your home on Oak Ridge - we were all "paisanos". Jeanette and family - my love and prayers are with all of you. May God Bless.
September 18, 2012
A proud man in uniform, one of the best. Always sharp. Jeanette and family, Bette and I send our condolences.
Con C. Callaway
Sun City Arizona
Patti Obermeyer
September 18, 2012
Gary and I have enjoyed your and Bobs friendship. He was always such a spark of life! We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending hugs...
Jamie Wood
September 18, 2012
Bob, you were such a great help and inspiration to many of us CU ROTC cadets. I don't know where I would be without all your help in those cadet years! You and your family are in my prayers!
Julie Zaffis-Marron
September 18, 2012
My Deepest Sympathy To Jeanette and all of Bobbys family ! What a great loss for all of you ! He was a great friend to me in our High Schools Years ! And to a lot of our friend's ! God Bless and may God and the Angels protect and watch over all of you stay strong ! for Bobby will always be watching over all of you !
Julie Zaffis Marron
Gerald Bonaventura
September 18, 2012
to my brother bob you will always be missed and loved I"ll always remember the E Mails protect jeanette kim nicole and christine,Semper Fi Gerald
Jef Francl
September 18, 2012
Jeanette and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He and you were such good neighbors and friends.
Please know that he and his family are in my prayers.
Shawn Chu-Quinn
September 18, 2012
Bob touched the lives of every ROTC cadet and cadre that walked through the Creighton University ROTC building. He will be missed by all.
Mary Cahill
September 18, 2012
To Jeanette and Bob's family, may God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Please know that you have our continued thoughts and prayers. Bob, I don't even have the right words to express how much you will be missed by so many. You touched the lives of so many cadets during your years at CU ROTC. You were the reason I would "visit" the ol' MS building, you brought life to that dark basement and kept things "up and running". You always had time to chat with me, square me away or just calm me down. You will be missed by many Bob.
Nancy Drury
September 18, 2012
It was a great pleasure getting to know you and working with you over the years. You will be missed.
Bill Fead
September 18, 2012
Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.
John, Mary and Nicole Bourke
September 18, 2012
Bob, Me, Mary and Nicole will miss you very much. You were my good friend and we shared alot of good times and stories together. Jeanett, we are with you in spirit through this difficult time.
2LT Calista Turner (Nutter)
September 18, 2012
Bob, words cannot adequately express the sadness I felt upon hearing of your passing. I was looking forward to seeing you in December in the place I knew you best (Creighton ROTC) upon my return from deployment. You have made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many and I am very blessed to have gotten to know you and talk to you over my four years as a Cadet. You will be sorely missed and your legacy will live on, especially in the halls of Creighton ROTC. May god bless you and your family. I'll see you again in Heaven.
Nikki Herrera (Kramer)
September 18, 2012
Jeanette, prayers and my deepest condolences to you and your family! Bob, it's hard to believe you are gone....you have made an impact on so many lives and you will be greatly missed, but I will never forget the good times and memories. Rest in peace, we miss you already!
Marty Beaugard
September 18, 2012
Jeanette I want to say I am sorry to hear about Bob passing away. You two were like parents to me and I will always cherish the memories and good times we shared. May God bless you and your family.
Dennis Murphy
September 18, 2012
A good raquetball player, jokester, good pallet for fine dining and good wine. Above all good father, husband, coworker, and friend..RIP Bob. You will be missed by many
MAJ Dennis Murphy
LTC Sue Hardwick
September 18, 2012
Will miss you Bob - from playing racquetball to your friendship over the years. You were a great person that left a lasting impression on so many people.
LTC Michael DeBolt
September 18, 2012
Jeanette and girls, thank you for sharing this wonderful man with so many. He will always have a special place in all our hearts.
Camellia McKinney
September 18, 2012
Bob,
May you rest in heaven. We all love you and miss you so much. God will continue to watch over your family. With love....
Kim Weith
September 18, 2012
Jeannette and Family,
Our deepest and sincere condolences. Bob was a good man that will be sorely missed. Both of you have been wonderful to have as neighbors.
We will miss watching Bob blowing the driveway daily :)
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
CPT Megan Donald
September 18, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family. I have many memories of him at Creighton's ROTC department. He always made sure all the cadets were "squared away"! I always appreciated his help during my 5 years at Creighton.
Stephen Stimson
September 18, 2012
Bob you will be greatly missed and I am going to miss you be around here and making me laugh and having a great time over the past 13 years we have worked together. I have some big shoes to fill as some have said, but those shoes can never be filled.
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Kahler Dolce Mortuary441 North Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046-2231
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