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Wiggins-Knipp Funeral Home

524 Capitol Street

Vallejo, California

David Bonacci Obituary

David Joel Bonacci passed away peacefully surrounded by family, including his wife of 61 years, Shirley, and his three daughters. He is preceded in death by his parents Silvio and Marie Bonacci. A native of California, David spent his childhood in, Crockett California graduating from John Swett High School in 1955. After graduating high school, David enlisted in the Marines, where he served until an injury forced him to take a medical discharge. Once discharged from the service, David attended and graduated from mortuary college in San Francisco. After graduation, David went to work for Wiggins Funeral home and soon after married his sweetheart Shirley, and they relocated to Vallejo, CA to start their lives together.Having lost both parents in his early years, David took on many responsibilities at a young age; this influenced his chosen profession in providing comfort and empathy to his clients as they planned a loved one's funeral needs.True to his loyal and kind nature, David continued his employment with Wiggins Funeral Home and Skyview Memorial Lawn until his retirement at age 74. During his career as a mortician, David wore many hats, including a night watchman, head embalmer, manager, deputy coroner, and funeral director.With a heart to those less fortunate or in need, David would often reach out with assistance, none more noticeable than his love for animals. He was known for caring for many stray cats he came across, often paying to have them spayed or neutered and re-homed when possible. On more than one occasion, David would bring home one of these abandoned or injured animals and they became his family pet. In his spare time, David enjoyed cooking for his family, gambling, especially playing the slot machines, listening to his police radio, and following the stock market.David leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Shirley Bonacci; daughters, Angela Camara and her husband John of Suisun; Danette Rugg of Pleasant Hill, and Sylvia Harmon of Vallejo, as well as four grandchildren, Candice Rugg, David Harmon, Jessica Leenders, and Madelyn Camara.Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wiggins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.A celebration of David's life will be held at a later date. If you would like to be notified please forward your email address to [email protected].
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Published by Times Herald Online on Jan. 31, 2021.

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3 Entries

Herb and Patsy Shrum

January 31, 2021

We send our deepest sympathy to Shirley, and the girls.
David was a wonderful man, and although we lost contact over the years,
we will always have fond memories of the times we did have together.
Going back to John Swett High School, times when our children were all little, and living in Vallejo while employed by the City of Vallejo.
Our connections may have been occasional, but always so very special.
We say good bye old friend, and knowing you was our honor.

J.Roger Wilson

January 31, 2021

Shirley and family Dave was my supervising embalmer when i work as an apprentice for Wiggins in the 1960. He took me under his wing and showed me everything he knew. I received my embalmer's license 1965. I left Wiggins and went to work for Solano Co. Sheriff Dept.. I would stop by the funeral home and see Dave and talk to him when I was working the Vallejo area. He like talking police things and what I was doing at the Sheriff's Dept.
I retired after 30 yrs1995. I had stopped by to see Dave at Skyview and Eddie Wilkes told me he had retired. Living in Napa I don't come to Vallejo Much.
My prayers are with your family. David was a GREAT Friend to me.

Wiggins-Knipp Funeral Home

January 30, 2021

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Wiggins-Knipp Funeral Home

524 Capitol Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

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