Robert A. Bonanno

Robert A. Bonanno, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his home in South Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 25, 1935, he was the son of proud Sicilian immigrants, Antonio and Antonia Bonanno.   Robert spent his early years in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, leaving school at a young age to work alongside his parents at their produce store, Tony's Market, in the North End, supporting the family business.  At the age of twenty-three, Robert enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country.  He was honorably discharged two years later, having earned the rank of Private First Class.  

Upon his return home to Boston, Robert lived with his family in West Roxbury and took a position with Stride-Rite Shoes, working in the warehouse.  It was while working at Stride-Rite that Robert met his wife to be, Stephanie T. Szczesny.  The young couple proclaimed their wedding vows at Saint Theresa’s Church in West Roxbury.  Robert and Stephanie made their first home together in West Roxbury, settling in with his parents, Antonio and Antonia.  They later branched out to make their home in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston, where the couple raised two children, Antonio and Richard.  In addition to working full-time and raising two boys, Robert's love for dogs led him to breed German Shepherds at his house, offering purebred puppies to family and friends.

In 1988, Robert and Stephanie made their way south, finding the perfect home in South Walpole, Massachusetts, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind them. Robert's career with Stride-Rite spanned forty-six years, and he retired as a team leader in 1997.  Following his retirement, Robert found part-time work with Stop and Shop running the salad bar, which was a fond reminder of his youth working at his parents’ produce market.

Throughout his life Robert loved working outside around his home, tending to his many flower gardens. He ensured each plant was cultivated and pruned with precision, making his yard perfect in any season.  Robert often prepared a wonderful bouquet of flowers for his wife, Stephanie, meticulously choosing only the most exquisite roses from his gardens to show his love for her. Later, when his son Antonio took over caring for the yard, Robert would sit outside, watching and directing, instructing his son on finer details that only he would notice.  Inside his home, music filled the air as Robert's turntable spun records from his ever-growing collection of 45's, creating a fun atmosphere to serenade his wife in.  However, the music was turned down whenever the Patriots or Red Sox were playing, as Robert focused on the game, hoping his hometown teams could be led to victory, especially during playoff season. Most of all, Robert loved spending time surrounded by his family. He looked forward to parties and holiday gatherings, to catch up with his siblings, nieces, and nephews, but also for the platters of Italian pastries that he enjoyed so much. 

Beloved husband of Stephanie T. (Szczesny) Bonanno.

Loving father of Antonio R. "Tony" Bonanno of South Walpole and Richard A. "Rich" Bonanno and his wife, Amy Tran-Bonanno, of South Weymouth.

Cherished grandfather of Kimberly Le of Boston.

Brother of Annette Anastasi of Attleboro, the late Thomas Bonanno, the late William Bonanno, the late Nicholas Bonanno, the late Grace Anzalone, the late Mary Ramacci, and the late Eleanor Caruso.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Robert's visitation on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole at 10:00 am.  Interment will take place at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert's name may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.