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James Charles "Jim" Buonocore
2/25/1934 - 4/23/2025
BORN
2/25/1934
DIED
4/23/2025
FUNERAL HOME
James Buonocore Obituary
Mr. Buonocore was a teacher and the Head football and softball coach at New London High School, retiring in 1999.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Candace, and their four children: Lynn Williams (John), Gilda Puccio (Dominic), Candace Romano (Brad), and Jim (Rachel).
His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Neilan Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, at St. Joseph Church. Interment will be private. A full obituary will appear in Sunday's edition of The Day.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Buonocore
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.
Valerie Vecchio
June 26, 2025
I left The New London Day as a sportswriter in 1986. I met Jim on the gridiron and diamond and we connected, probably because my last name was Vecchio and we were both very Italian. And outspoken. And fiery. I loved him for his honesty and dedication to his players. As old-fashioned as he was, he was a champion of women´s sports. I´m planning on visiting the area in August and so I googled his name and found this. Through the past 40 years, I have often thought of Jim, and the encouragement he would give me to pursue my passions. He was a great guy and I hope to someday see him on the other side.
L. Micheal Clancy
June 17, 2025
I just heard of Coach Buonocores passing the other day. I played football for Coach Buonocore when I attended Fitch High from 1965 -1968. He was a tough coach who demanded excellences, however he along with the other coaches I played for helped shape my life in a positive way. Thanks Coach.
James Plowden
May 26, 2025
James Buonocore will always be my friend. "He let me take a lifeguard program when I couldn't swim". Taught me how to swim. And gave me my first job with NLHS to video his football games, with my company. A Great Guy, he will be miss. Your Friend Forever James Plowden, Sorry for your lost. Till we meet again in Paradise my Friend.
John Krot
May 4, 2025
To the Buonocore family
My deepest sympathies. I have many memories of coaching against Jim when Killingly would play New London in football. I had great respect for him. He reached his players in positive ways and motivated them to carry out the game plan. He was always teaching his players what they needed to know. May his memories guide you and get you through the difficult days ahead. We all lost a very special individual, but what he gave us will always be in our hearts and minds forever. Rest in peace, Jim
John Krot
gregory Winston
May 1, 2025
Condolences to the Buonocore family.
Percell A Brown
April 30, 2025
My condolences to the Buonocore family. Coach Buonocore wasn´t just a high school football coach-he was a true leader, mentor, and role model for high school students. His impact reached far beyond the field, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to be coached by him. I´m proud to have played for him, and I´ll carry many of his lessons with me always. RIP Coach.
Percell (Pab) Brown
UNK
April 30, 2025
RIP
COACH
Reggie Eccleston
April 29, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. He was a great man and mentor. RIP Coach B
Dave Doyle
April 29, 2025
Jim,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you and the entire Buonocore family.
Karen Andrzejewski
April 29, 2025
My love and prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for all the good times! Love Karen Andrzejewski
Paul Pescatello
April 29, 2025
Dear Jim, Gilda, Candace, and the entire Buonocore Family. I am deeply saddened by the passing of your Dad. His contributions to his players, students, and the entire local community were truly selfless, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time." P.S. Mr and Mrs Buonocore along with the entire family were always my favorite credit union members. Thanks again for all your support throughout the years. RIP Coach and God Bless. Sincerely Paul Pescatello and Family.
Tom Flanagan
April 28, 2025
As a player he was always one of my Dads favorites. As a coach one of the most respected that I remember! He will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Flanagan family! My/our condolences go out to all the Buonocores. RIP Coach, you will be missed and fondly remembered by many.
Chris Lynch
April 28, 2025
Sad to hear the news on the passing of such a great man. Thanks for the years of inspiration, Coach.
Andy Walz
April 28, 2025
Son James and Family,
Our condolances and appreciation of your father's support and mentorship to our sons' at Fitch.
The Walz Family
Eileen Monroe
April 28, 2025
Rest In Peace Coach, My condolences to the family.
Leah Eldridge
April 27, 2025
Our sympathies to Jim and the Buonocore family.
With heartfelt condolences,
Leah (Balch) Eldridge and Family
Matt DeMore
April 27, 2025
Dear Candy and kids, I´m so sorry for your loss, my fondest memories or Jimmy were his interactions with my mom. They way they spoke to each other in their later years at family gatherings was special. They truly loved each other.
I´ll never forget the summer that Ricky and I spent as the water boys for him and the Whalers. Not that there wasn´t controversy with haircuts...
Love you all
Matt DeMore
April 27, 2025
A great Coach who continued the success of NLHS football . He brought NLHS to football prominence in the State of Connecticut. My condolences to Mrs. Buonocore and family. Rest in peace Coach!
Rit Manthous
April 27, 2025
He was a great running back. May his memory be eternal.
Bernie Nasser
April 26, 2025
To the Buonocore Family:
My sympathies on the loss of Jim, a good man AND a great coach who did it "his way"! We had many a great softball game back in the day (Fitch vs New London) which were extremely competitive. Always fiery during the games, but a lamb afterwards when we had our post game banter!! He lived a long and fruitful life influencing his student/athletes in a positive manner.
May your soul rest in peace, my brother of the coaching fraternity!
ALAN BARDFIELD
April 26, 2025
So sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man. He will truly be missed.
Jack Clark
April 25, 2025
My Condolences to Jimmy and your family for the loss of your father Your father was a icon in New London and around the state He will be sadly missed Respectfully Jack Clark
Savas Synodi
April 25, 2025
Amazing legacy of doing it right for decades. Besides the great success you can´t be a great coach without being a great person. He is the example of what Coaching should be about and influenced so many including me. It´s something no one can truly measure but can be embraced and lives on in all those he touched. We were so fortunate to have him as our coach.
ALFRED PARKER MAYO
April 25, 2025
What a great coach he was, when i met him going to New London High School in 1970 then transfer to Fitch. He was very fun to talk with, but his heart in the kids growing up. He will be miss but not forgot Fitch and New London games for years.
Keith Grandchamp
April 25, 2025
Thanks for the greatest years in Whalers history. I know you will missed by staff and previous students.
Thanks for your guidance, through some of my teenage years. Your name will always be synonymous with Greatness and tenacity here in New London.
Rest Well Coach.
SCOT GRAHAM, CAPT USCG (Ret)
April 25, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Buonocores, extended family and friends. May your wonderful memories give you great peace and comfort as you celebrate Coach´s remarkable life and priceless legacy. I am very grateful for the invaluable impact he had on me. God bless.
Scot Graham
NLHS 77´, USCGA 81´
Captain, USCG (Retired)
Fort Myers, FL
Gary Bohara
April 25, 2025
My coach in Football,Basketball and Baseball at NFA from 66 to 68,admired him because we both were the same height, Rest in Peace Coach
Bob Janovic
April 25, 2025
My condolences to the Buonocore family.
Dave Fairman
April 25, 2025
Rest in Peace Jim
Pete & Peggy Ververis
April 25, 2025
Rest in Peace Coach. Our sincerest condolences.
Joann Starkweather Kerr
April 25, 2025
God bless
Vinnie M.
April 24, 2025
So sorry for your loss my friend
Tom Moretti
April 24, 2025
Coach Bunocore was my mentor,my coach at NFA 1967,and my hero.
He sent me to West Alabama to play football and I enjoyed my education completely,although football did not work out so well,I met my wife of 54 years. Thank you coach Coach.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
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Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
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