Vito Thomas Bonacchi Jr.

Vito Thomas Bonacchi, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026 at the Cornerstone Hospice House in Clermont, Florida, following a year of health complications. He was surrounded by the love of his family at the time of his passing. Born on May 30, 1949, he was the beloved son of Vito and Lucy (DeFede) Bonacchi.

Vito proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a Vietnam Veteran. He was honorably discharged and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in action. His strength, resilience, and unwavering courage defined him throughout his life—he was a Marine through and through, fighting bravely until the very end.

On September 7, 1968, Vito married Linda (Dennell), in New York. They shared 40 years of marriage and were blessed with four children. After Linda’s passing in 2009, Vito found love again and married Edna (Zweydoff) in 2017. A resident of Central Florida since 1975, Vito built a life centered on faith, family, and community. He retired from the United States Post Office, but his greatest joy was always the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

Among his many roles in life, the ones he cherished most were bringing smiles to others. Whether dressing as Santa Claus or Baby New Year, Vito delighted in spreading happiness to everyone he met. He never met a stranger—no trip to a store or restaurant was complete without him greeting someone he knew or introducing himself to someone new. To many, he was more than a friend; he was “Dad” or “Pop-Pop,” not only to his own family but to countless others who were blessed to know him. He would do anything for anyone, and he truly loved without limits.

Vito is survived by his devoted wife, Edna; his children, Georgina, Vito III, Taralyn (Ronnie) Phillips, and Danielle; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother, Philip (Maureen); his sisters, Marie and Judy and many more cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, and strength that will live on in all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, on February 27, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at Resurrection Catholic Church, located at 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787, on February 28, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.