Thomas J. Bonte, 86, passed away on Friday 13 March 2020 at his home in Pensacola, Florida.
Born in Bloomington, Illinois, he was raised by Grace Devine Bonte and Fred Bonte in Geneseo, Illinois. Thomas was a skilled farmer and tended to the family farm. Also, he enjoyed carpentry and maintaining his automobile.
He excelled in academia while participating in Geneseo High School’s track & field and baseball teams. After graduating Geneseo High school in 1951, Mr. Bonte enlisted in the United States Navy as a Photographer’s Mate. His tours include: U.S. Naval Photographic Center, NAS Anacostia, D.C.; U.S. Naval Photographic Interpretation Center, Washington D.C.; Utility Squadron ONE (VU-1); USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42); Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group NAS San Diego, CA; Navy Photo Interpretation Center Washington D.C.; Naval Missile Center Point Mugu, CA; Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group Fleet Air Photo Lab Cubi Point, Philippines. After 30 years of active duty service, he retired and worked as an evidence custodian for the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, South East Asia Region. He met his beautiful bride while stationed overseas, Teresita Ednacot Tiangco, and married in January 20, 1979.
He is survived by his wife Teresita; his sisters, Barbara and Sharon; his sons, Robert and Thomas Jr.; his daughters Michelle, Cheryl, Linda, Mary, and Beth; his grandchildren Amanda, Sean, Brayden, Justin, Melissa, Matthew, Anthony, Thalia, Genevieve, Logan, Lily, Jessie, Ellie and Emma; his great-grandchildren, Milo and Dean; and many close friends and relatives.
Visitation and Viewing will be held on Monday, 23 March 2020 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family arriving at 5:00 p.m. A small family Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, 24 March 2020 at Little Flower Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. Funeral procession will leave from Little Flower Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m. and Burial will be held after at Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Base access is strictly monitored and requires screening, if you choose to attend outside the funeral procession.
