William E. Bonanno

William E. Bonanno, of Middleborough, passed away, surrounded by his loving family and friends on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.  He was 89 years old.

William is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, William A. Bonanno and Judi Kagiwada-Bonanno of Middleborough; his four grandchildren and their spouses Michelle and Steven Fongeallaz, Trevor Bonanno, Katie and Brian McMenamin, and McKinley Bonanno; and six great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy Bonanno, his son, Bernard Bonanno, and his parents, Antonio and Antonia Bonanno.

Bill was born on March 16, 1932 in Boston, to Antonio and Antonia Bonanno along with seven brothers and sisters.  Bill married the love of his life, Dorothy, on August 16, 1952.  Together they raised two sons, Billy and Bernie, and their granddaughter, Michelle.  Bill lived a full life and accomplished so many amazing things over the years.  He was a master carpenter for over 80 years.  Bill retired as a carpenter from Good Samaritan Medical Center in 1997 but he continued to do woodworking for several years.  He jokingly had a business with his good friend Barbara, ‘B&B Carpentry’ in which Barbara always claimed to be the first B.  More recently, he loved to carve birds and give them to those who were important in his life.

He was a proud member of the armed services and spent two years fighting in Korea.  He felt immense pride in raising his two sons.  He loved to boast about his son’s accomplishments, especially Bill graduating Summa Cum Laude from Curry College and Bernie’s remarkable carpentry skills.  Dot and Bill adopted their granddaughter, Michelle, when she was 6 years old and raised her like the daughter they always wanted.  Bill was incredibly proud to watch Michelle reach such success in life.  As if raising 3 wonderful children wasn’t enough, he had a large role in raising his other grandchildren, Trevor, Katie, & McKinley.  He taught them all the most important things in life – love, respect, compassion, generosity, patience and of course, all about Chevy’s.  Bill’s biggest accomplishment was loving his wife Dorothy so completely.  August 16th marks their 69th wedding anniversary!  He was so proud of her and supported everything she did.  They are together again after almost four long years apart.  So many are heartbroken by this loss, but we know he’s in heaven - carving birds, eating Dottie’s famous pasta and meatballs, and humming his favorite tunes while waxing the Caddy.  Most importantly he is reunited with his Dolly, Bernie, and so many loved ones he’s been apart from for so long.

Family and friends are welcome to the visiting hours at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak Street, Middleborough, on Monday, August 16, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 PM, and IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING all family and friends are invited to the Mitchell Club, 29 Elm Street, Middleborough, for a Celebration of Bill’s Life!

All are invited to attend the Graveside Services with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, 1 Connery Avenue, Bourne, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM.  Everyone may meet at the cemetery administration building at 10:55AM.