Vincent Michael Bono

Staley Farms Golf Club

Saturday, June 5, 2021

Service 5:00pm with

Dinner following

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4-

There is a time for everything…

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance...

There will be time for sharing and much celebration.

Vincent Michael Bono, 70, of Liberty, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2020, after a courageous battle with Covid Pneumonia; he was surrounded by his loving family.

Vincent Michael Bono (Mike) was born in Kansas City, Missouri to James and Robin (Robertson) Bono on June 6, 1950. As a young boy, he attended St Francis Xavier and graduated from Rockhurst, class of 1968. Mike was a proud patriot and served in the US Army during the VietNam war. He graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1983, ultimately opening his own practice in Liberty, Missouri in 1985. Mike was committed to his craft of dentistry. He was selfless, kind, compassionate, always treating his patients and employees like family. He was generous and helped anyone in need. He genuinely loved people, and it showed. Patients followed him loyally appreciating his honesty, sincerity, and precision.

Mike swept Julie off her feet 27 years ago and married her on June 1, 1996. He found pure joy in his family, even Lucy the pet he never wanted but doted on. Mike beamed to anyone who would listen when he talked about his intelligent, gorgeous daughter and his courageous, handsome son. He was proud of the family he built. As a father, he taught life lessons in the moment often quoting his own father, “kids you are short timers-mom and I are lifetimers”. He listened with understanding, not always giving in but always giving a joke or a nod to soften the disappointment. Nothing got by him primarily due to the fact he had seen or done it all before! He reveled in winter Sundays as he made his homemade sauce always making it an event. He enjoyed a great steak and knew how to grill one to perfection. While he appreciated the finer things in life, Mike was content and cherished the routine of his life, his home. He was grateful, wise, quick-witted, stubborn, loveable and protective of all he loved.

Mike’s passion for golf was unrelenting. He was competitive and always striving to be better. His love for golf led to lifelong friendships, a band of brothers whom he loved dearly. He had an ease about him on the course whether whistling, pressing a bet, sharing a joke, or giving a word of encouragement when needed. He was honest and always played by the rules. When you played with Bones, you knew he had the integrity to call anyone out at any time on a rule infraction. With that said, he never held a grudge. His passion for the game yielded three holes-in-one. In Mike's last tournament, he assessed his final approach shot 105 yards out. He grabbed his pitching wedge, looked at his partner, and said, “I’ve got this”. As it rolled in the cup, an eagle was scored.

Once Mike teed off on this golf course of life, this world hasn't quite been the same. He was comfortable with who he was-no apologies. He loved his life. Whether it was ornery antics, caring for his patients, sparring politics, getting in the skins pot, loving on his wife and kids, or living life to the fullest by his rules, he remained strong in his beliefs and traveled this journey remaining true to himself and the God he served...from eagle to eagle’s wings.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, James and Robin Bono, and nephew, Mark Bono.

Mike is survived by his wife Julie(Hitt), son James Michael(22), daughter Sarah Rosalia(19), brothers Tom (Janet) Bono and Bob (Joy) Bono, a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and brothers of the game.

The family of Mike wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Wang and his Mantle Cell Lymphoma staff at MD Anderson and all of the nurses and doctors working the Covid units at North Kansas City Hospital.