Rudolph Frank Bono, MD

Dr. Rudolph Frank Bono, a distinguished retired general surgeon, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023 at the age of 93. His remarkable life journey, filled with dedication, service, and achievements, leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on October 3, 1929, in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Bono was the ninth of nine beloved children in a close-knit family. His early years were marked by resilience and a quest for knowledge that would shape his future. He attended Midwood High School, where he displayed a natural aptitude for academics and a strong work ethic that would define his life.

After graduating from high school, he continued his educational journey at Union College, where he honed his intellectual prowess and cultivated lifelong friendships. His unwavering commitment to excellence led him to graduate from Albany Medical College in 1954, where he embarked on a path that would eventually make him a respected figure in the medical community. He was honored to have his son James, an orthopedic surgeon in Boston, and granddaughter Olivia, an orthopedic surgical resident at Harvard, follow in his footsteps, graduating from Albany Medical College as well.

Dr. Bono’s dedication to serving his country was evident when he joined the United States Navy, where he served as a medical officer during peacetime on board the USS Currytuck seaplane tender in Puerto Rico, where he gained enormous love and respect for subtropical weather and travel abroad. Following his military service, Dr. Bono embarked on a remarkable career as a general surgeon, practicing at the prestigious St. Vincent's Hospital in Greenwich Village, New York. His surgical skills and unwavering commitment to patient care and teaching earned him the admiration and gratitude of numerous patients and colleagues alike. He left an everlasting impression on the medical field, a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of physicians. Known for his skilled hands, legions of surgical residents competed for a position to work at his side. Those promising young doctors had the privilege to learn the intricacies of general surgery and devotion to patient care directly from a natural-born educator and innovator. His former students lauded his dexterity by commenting that he was “slick as hell” in the operating room, and appreciated his approachability and kindness; “he was good to us,” they recounted

Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Bono had the distinct honor of serving as the team physician for the New York Giants football team in the 60’s and 70’s, where he was a pioneer in the early days of sports medicine.

In his personal life, Dr. Bono was a loving husband and devoted father. He is survived by his beloved son and daughter in law, James and Meg of Dover, Massachusetts. His enduring love and partnership with his wife, Nancy, provided unwavering support throughout his life's journey, enjoying beach views from their high rise condominium in Sand Key - Clearwater Beach, Florida, where he held court daily with his enormous personality. He faced the immense pain of losing his first wife, Marilyn, a nurse, and their daughter, Mary, with resilience and grace. Dr. Bono also leaves behind a legacy of love in his four adoring grandchildren: Andrew, Olivia, Caroline, Thomas Rudolph.

Dr. Bono will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his patients, his country, and his family. His legacy of service, excellence, and love will continue to shine brightly through the memories of those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Bono Family Scholarship Fund at Albany Medical College, established to honor Dr. Bono’s enduring commitment to education. This scholarship provides valuable assistance to Albany Medical College students, ensuring that his legacy lives on through the education and future achievements of aspiring physicians.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, let us remember the words of Winston Churchill: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Dr. Bono gave abundantly, leaving a lasting legacy in his children and grandchildren, as well as in the patient care and teaching of the hundreds of surgeons that he trained and/or influenced by his excellence, integrity, and compassion, that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace.