Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Charles J. Bonavita

FUNERAL HOME

John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. Funeral Directors

4900 Centre Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Charles Bonavita Obituary

Charles J. Bonavita died suddenly Sunday, March 6, 2016. He was the beloved son of the late Emil and Margaret Holleran Bonavita; brother of the late Emil Bonavita Jr. (Marie); uncle of E.J. III, James and Michael Bonavita; is also survived by four great-nieces and nephews; and former spouse and lifelong friend of Bridgete Blair. A proud Irishman, Charles was a retired professional engineer, had a passion for helping others through community volunteer work and was a former member of the St. Paul Cathedral Choir. He was the founder of the Allegheny River Rowing Club, an award winning rowing coach and enjoyed spending his free time hunting, riding horses and socializing with his cousins and friends.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS INC., 4900 Centre Ave. at Devonshire St. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Paul Cathedral.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pittsburgh Tribune Review from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bonavita

Sponsored by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. Funeral Directors.

38 Entries

Tory Fisher

March 5, 2025

I was just talking about you yesterday as I was sharing a meal with a friend. I wish you were here so I could spend some time with you. We always had fun gardening and eating together. You made the best chili and stuffed mushrooms. I miss you.

Dave Deiuliis

March 4, 2025

I think of you often and miss you. You were and continue to be an inspiration of mine. How I´d love the opportunity to sit down and have one more Big Mac with you.

Dave D

March 6, 2024

First memory was when Charles showed up at our high school to an introductory rowing meeting. I thought he seemed a bit quirky but I was drawn to his confidence and the excitement he had for the sport. Little did I know that was the beginning of a life path

Dave Deiuliis

March 4, 2023

Just thinking of you today. I do miss you.

Tory Fisher

April 14, 2021

Thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you were here to chat and work in the garden with me. Every time we were together I always learned something new from you. You were always such good company. I miss you.

David D

March 5, 2021

Hard to imagine that you’ve been gone for five years. You and Bridget hat such a profound influence on my life. You taught me about rowing and nearly 35 years later I’m still involved. Hard to imagine where I’d be had I not met you. Think about you both everyday.

(Penny). Margot Bender Harvey -Gillespie

March 4, 2021

Charles another year has past since you went home to our Lord .I think of you often and miss you For you have a very special place in my heart ....

Margot. Penny Gillespie

March 4, 2020

4 years have past , but I think of you often , you have and will remain in my heart and my prayers forever ...

March 4, 2020

Charles, you were such a good friend. I still miss the times we spent together. You had such a tender heart.

March 6, 2018

Charles you are gone but never forgotten. You left us with so many wonderful memories. I miss you so very much.

March 6, 2018

hard to believe its been 2 years. You are so missed...

April 14, 2017

Happy birthday Charles. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Margot (Penny ) Gillespie

March 8, 2017

Dear Charles ... In my heart I know your in a better place ... I miss you so very much..... I miss the long talks and laughter we shared about our mom and the family ......You are close to me in my heart ... forever

March 6, 2017

I still miss you and think about you so often. Gone but never forgotten. My prayers are,always with you. You were such a good friend.

April 14, 2016

Happy birthday Charles!! Miss you and wish you were here to celebrate
your special day.

April 14, 2016

Happy birthday Charles!! Miss you and wish you were here to celebrate
your special day.

March 22, 2016

I doubt that you knew how many people thought of you as the best friend they ever had. I miss you so much.

Penny/ Margot Bender / H Gillespie

March 19, 2016

Dear Charles ... I miss you more then words can say ... I was so blest to have such a dear cousin as you ...even through your gone you will live with in my heart forever ...

Yvonne Chipman

March 17, 2016

My love of rowing began with Charles and Bridgett as one of the "old" ladies in the boat. We learned that calloused hands and strong bodies were a source of pride. He will not be forgotten.

March 15, 2016

he was my best friend

Vanessa Flory

March 14, 2016

I have such wonderful memories of Charles. He was a "delightful" coach. He taught us to be strong women.

A. P. Ziemkiewicz

March 14, 2016

I wish peace, joy and love to the best coach I ever had and all his family and friends.

Gail Rowles

March 13, 2016

I still love rowing thanks to Charles and Bridget and those coffee cans full of cement we had to roll up on the rope. Many were served and influenced by Charles and he will be remembered fondly.

Caren Joyce Bender

March 13, 2016

Cousin Chuckie J. this is your Cousin Caren Joyce we both had the same initials CJB and born on April 14. I will miss your interesting conversations and miss you at at my brother's holiday dinners and our getting together, you, me and my sister Margot "Penny". I love you and am missing you always. xxxooo. Say hi and a hug to my Mom and Dad and all our family relatives.

March 11, 2016

To the Bonavita Family:
We will hold Chuck in our prayers.
The "56" grads of CCDHS
David Donohue P.E.

March 11, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Virginia McQuown

March 11, 2016

I'll always be grateful to Charles and Bridget for introducing me to the sport of rowing.

I think fondly of ARRC, every time I row upstream, on the Allegheny.

I am so sorry.

Margot Gillespie

March 11, 2016

Thomas Moberg

March 11, 2016

Sincerest sympathies in your bereavement, Bridget, and all of Charles' family. So many memories of the rowing club (with Pat Truschel) and dinners together - in years past - many laughs and stimulating conversations....Charles will be sadly missed! With much love and prayers, Thomas

Dr Raymond Sierka

March 10, 2016

Chuck a friend since high school at CDCHS we will miss you. May you rest in peace.

Susan Celedonia

March 10, 2016

My deepest condolences to you all. Charles and I had only known each other a short time but he worked his way into my heart. He was an awesome man and for me an Angel sent by God. Without him I would have never made it through my situation. I miss him every day..My prayers of comfort for you all.

Most Sincerely,
Susan Celedonia

David DeIuliis

March 10, 2016

I'll miss you Charles. You were a mentor and a friend. You introduced me to this sport that I love and a day doesn't go by where I don't think of you and everything you taught me.

Johanna Hammer

March 10, 2016

Charles was an amazing and completely unique individual. As a coach and mentor, he challenged me to be my best and never sell myself short. He made me believe I could do it, even when I was convinced I couldn't. I am grateful for his guidance in my life and my condolences to all those mourning his loss.

Susannah Kerest

March 10, 2016

Charles was my first rowing coach. Throughout my high school years he was an important mentor, trainer, coach, cook, builder-of-all things and friend. Together, the former rowers of ARRC mourn his passing.

Bobby Valli

March 10, 2016

LaVonya P

March 10, 2016

Your family have my deepest sympathy. May God bless you all with strength and peace. Ps.119:165

March 10, 2016

Prayers go out to you and your family.

Rege Bender

March 10, 2016

Rest in eternal peace cousin Chuckie. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at my home will not be the same without you. Your Bender cousins will miss you.

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results