Wayne Anthony "Tony" Bona

Wayne Anthony “Tony” Bona, 71, of Irving, TX, passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2025. Born in Elk County, Pennsylvania to the late Savino Bona and Annarella Marino Bona, Tony was the second of three children. He took great pride in being an ever-available sidekick and mischievous younger brother to Gary and an overly protective older brother to Kim. Together, the family relocated from Ridgway to Warren, PA, in 1963 to begin a lifelong family endeavor, running the Oakview Tavern. Over decades, Tony and his family operated “the place to be” in Warren, PA. Banquets, weddings, poker nights, and neighborhood gatherings were commonplace. Fishing, baseball card collecting, and shooting bottlecaps over Conewango Creek were just a few of Tony’s favorite past times at 201 Front Street. Tony was an avid Chevy Mustang driver, wrestler, and baseball player while at Warren High School. Following graduation, he continued his athletic pursuits and studies at Gannon College, completing his degree and earning his collegiate letter in baseball. In the summer of 1975, Tony moved to Dallas, TX to attend graduate school at Southern Methodist University. His subsequent career in logistics brought lifelong friends, endless entertaining, and a love for road trips.

Tony was a doting husband to his beloved wife of forty-nine years, Marilyn Phillips Bona, until her recent passing. His unwavering love and never-ending support during her 9-month battle with Guillain Barre Syndrome was admired by friends and family. He rarely missed a day at her bedside, advocating for her recovery in every way that he knew how. Tony and Marilyn enjoyed the company of many friendships that were decades in the making. They also enjoyed traveling together. In the last few years, favorite destinations included Kauai, Alaska, Australia, and New Zealand. In the end, their love was so intertwined that when Marilyn left, Tony could not live without her. Family and friends are comforted to know they are together again.

Tony was a simple man. He never strayed from his trusted flip phone, despite constant prodding from his children and grandchildren to join the current generation. He texted often, in an endearing shorthand, that only his friends and family could understand. He will be remembered for having at least one, but usually several, handwritten lists at any given time- napkins, dollar bills, and sticky notes were just a few of his favorite writing surfaces. If you saw your name on his list, you knew you had a special place in his heart. Tony wasn’t interested in communicating over email, as he preferred a phone call or even a lunch date. He had recently started to enjoy Google, often amazed by the expansive knowledge a simple “Hey Google” would provide. Tony was the king of sports trivia. He loved to learn and share sports history with whomever would listen. His favorite thing to read was the sports page, and he could recall decades of sports facts, particularly about his favorite baseball teams. He loved to tell jokes, particularly to his grandchildren. To that end, he kept a large collection of Snapple tops, and there was always a new “Bop-Pop joke” for the telling. He was a connoisseur of root beer, ice cream, and licorice. Tony was a true gentleman, taking every opportunity to open car doors and pull out chairs for the women in his presence.

Tony’s three children and four grandchildren were his everything, and he was so very proud of each one. He proudly displayed a collection of buttons with grandparent day headshots of Caroline, Connor, and Cole on a treasured scarf at the annual Trinity Episcopal School Grandparents and Special Friends Day. He looked forward to weekly dates at Ryan’s favorite restaurant. He loved to golf, play cards, and celebrate both the ordinary and extraordinary with his family. There was rarely a gathering that didn’t include a friendly card game of crazy eights, a new pack of baseball cards, and a trivia question.

Tony was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, and son, Jonathan Alan Bona as well as his father and siblings. He is survived by his mother as well as daughters, Amanda Bona White (Tricia) of Austin, TX, and Katherine Bona Wilke (Devin) of Houston, TX, and son, Jonathan Christopher Bona of Dallas, TX. His pride and joy were his four grandchildren: Caroline Emma, Connor Benjamin, Cole Alexander, and Ryan Alida. Tony was fortunate to know the love of countless dear friends, many of whom he considered family.

A memorial service and celebration of Tony’s life will take place on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Chapel, 7505 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX with Deacon Charles Sylvester officiating. Interment immediately to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Rita Catholic School Scholarship Fund (Make a Gift – Support St. Rita – St. Rita Catholic School (strita.net).