Crocifisso (Chris) Bordonaro, 95 years old, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2018. Chris was born in Scoglitti, Sicily, Italy, on August 24, 1922. He arrived at Ellis Island, New York, in 1940 to join his father in America. In 1944, he was inducted into the US Army, but asked instead to be in the US Navy, as his hometown was on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. From March 4, 1944, until April 6, 1946, when he was honorably discharged, he served and achieved the rank of Chief Cook Third Class Petty Officer. He was stationed in Hitchcock, TX.
After proudly serving his new country, he was granted citizenship in 1946. During his time in Texas, he met and married Adeline Mazzara on November 25, 1946. He attended Houston Technical College and became a certified watchmaker, as did his wife. Together they owned Chris’ Watch Shop on McKinney Avenue in downtown Houston. In 1952, he began working for Schlumberger. He retired in 1982 with 29 years of service at the Gulf Freeway location.
Preceded in death by his parents, three siblings and his wife of 64 years, Chris is survived by his daughter LaNelle Riga and husband Carmelo; grandson Francesco Riga and wife Susan; granddaughter Carla Lo Schiavo and husband Danilo; and four great grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Alyssa and Hailey Riga and Danica and Dylan Lo Schiavo.
Visitation, rosary and burial will be at Forest Park Westheimer and Funeral Mass will be at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land, with Rev. Philip Wilhite officiating. Pallbearers will be Danilo Lo Schiavo, Ben Mazzara, David Limerick, Jr., Joe Trama, Sergio Ochoa and Adam Rittweger. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Moscatelli and David Limerick, Sr.
His family would like to thank Bobby and Beth English and the entire staff at Optimum Personal Care as well as Dr. Geraldine Gossard for the loving care they provided for him.
