Marco Joseph Bonta

Dr. Marco Joseph Bonta died on April 28, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, OH, at the age of 67. Marco was born on May 29, 1957, in Columbus, OH, to the late Dr. Joseph Bonta and Juanita Bonta.

Marco's academic and professional achievements were numerous. He earned his Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University (1975-1979), his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Medical School of Ohio at Toledo (1979-1982), and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Franklin University (2012-2013). He completed his post-graduate training with a General Surgery Internship and Residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital (1982-1987) and a Fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine (1987-1988).

Marco was deeply committed to the field of surgery, and his career spanned several decades. He served as Associate Program Director for the General Surgery Residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital from 1988 to 1993. From 2001 to 2021, he was the Medical Director of Trauma & Surgical Services at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and from 2021 to 2025, he served as the System Chief of Trauma at Ohio Health.

Throughout his career, Marco held many prestigious roles, including serving on the American College of Surgeons Verification Review Committee and as a Senior Verification Site Surveyor. He was a Board Member of MedFlight of Ohio and an Editorial Reviewer for the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Marco was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. He was the recipient of the William D. Knerr, MD Award for Surgical Teacher of the Year in 1997 and the TCAA Award of Distinction for Outstanding Leadership in 2022.

Outside of his medical career, Marco enjoyed world travel, boating, flying airplanes, and spending winters in Florida. He loved shooting at Black Wing Shooting Center and making ammunition with his best friend, Tom. Marco’s passion for life was evident in everything he did, and he was truly a “Renaissance man” — always curious about the world and constantly seeking new experiences, insights, and learnings.

Marco was a dedicated trauma surgeon, teacher, and mentor, as well as a life-long learner. He was an incurable romantic, loving husband, an outrageously fun and giving father, and a loyal friend. He was protective of those he loved, generous to a fault, and had a contagious sense of humor. He appreciated a beautiful woman and a dirty joke, and he will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and the joy he brought to everyone around him.

Marco is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly J. Bonta (Kimmy), whom he married on September 13, 1992; his children, Julie Nicole Bonta, Chelsea Lynn Bonta, and Vincent (Vinny) Bradley Bonta; his grandchildren, Grace Nicole Collins, Josie Marie Weed, and Natalie Haley Weed; his sister, Lisa Bonta Lane (Darrin); and his nephew, Tyler Bonta Lane (Katie).

Calling hours will be held on May 8, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Schoedinger Northwest. A Memorial Service will take place on May 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at Upper Arlington Luther Church, Mill Run Campus, with a reception to follow at Scioto Country Club from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marco’s name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at 614-882-6184.

Marco’s life will be remembered for his commitment to his family, his patients, and his colleagues. He lived with an appetite for life and love that was truly unmatched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.