Predeceased by:
Husband- Albert T. Bonanno,
Parents- Salvatore and Angelamaria Villani,
Brothers:
Thomas Villani,
Anthony Villani,
Alfred Villani,
James Villani,
Nicholas Villani,
Grandson- Adam Bonanno.
Survived by:
Sons:
Albert N. and Julie Bonanno,
Kevin and Dorothy Bonanno,
Grandchildren:
Kelly and Jon Dentz,
Stacey and Michael Stokes,
Karen Bonanno,
Great Grandchildren:
Jake Mansdorf,
Zachary Dentz,
Christopher Stokes,
Kailey Stokes,
Nephews:
Alfred (Godson) and Patricia Villani,
Robert and Gail Villani,
Joseph Bonanno,
Nieces:
Laura and John Kalogiannis,
Marie and Richard Lieble,
JoAnn and Barry Lynn.
Mary Bonanno was born on February 13, 1923 in NYC to the proud parents Salvatore Villani and Angelamaria Imperati who were Italian immigrants from Naples, Italy.
Mary was originally named Raffaela but her 4 older brothers decided she should be called Mary and therefore, she became "Mary". Mary was raised in Corona, Queens within a loving family.
She grew up and fell in love with one of her brother Jimmy's best friends Albert (Red) Bonanno and they married shortly after World War Two in 1947. They provided a loving family to their two sons, Albert and Kevin. Mary loved to cook, bake, sew, clean her home and take care of the needs of her husband and sons and her extended family. There was never a moment when she did not put her family first before her own needs. In 1986 she moved with her husband to Tamarac, Florida where they enjoyed a wonderful ten years of retirement with other members of her extended family. Mary and Al achieved 50 wonderful years of marriage in 1997 before her beloved husband passed away that same year. Mary remained and lived on her own in Florida for 20 more years and was quite comfortable with her life. She became one of the top female senior bowlers in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area and at age 85 she averaged 169 pins per game in the 30 week season. She had so many trophies that she had to transfer the achievement
labels to plaques. She drove to age 90 and gave up driving unreluctantly. Mary enjoyed playing cards and an occasional trip to the casinos. She loved going to the beauty parlor each week and having her fingers and toes nails polished on a regular basis.
Mary Bonanno was a true friend to those that she loved. She always reciprocated for any favor that
was done for her. She never expected anything for her doing nothing in return. She was a strong, independent, straight forward, no nonsense woman who was not afraid to speak her mind when it was appropriate. In May of 2017 she moved into the assisted living at the Atria Larson Place in Hamden, CT where she flourished taking part in all the activities and events that were available to her including bingo, exercise class, puzzles, and musical shows. She was included in every family event and holiday and spent enjoyable time with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.
The way she lead her life is why she is part of " The Greatest Generation".
Friends are invited to call on Monday, March 26th from 2-5p.m. and 6-9p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich CT 06830. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 27th at 11a.m. at Saint Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Avenue, Riverside CT 06878.
To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit leopgallaghergreenwich.com
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