Michael Richard Bamonte Jr.

Well, if you are reading this, it means that I am not here; I am with my Heavenly Father! I know, I know, some of you are saying… “not the Mike I know”! But don’t judge lest you be judged. I was born in Queens, NY, to Michael and Anita Bamonte. We lived in Brooklyn until I was five. They moved to Pensacola, FL, so I decided to go with them. I am the oldest of five boys, so I had to learn to cook at an early age.

I attended Little Flower Catholic School, Brownsville Middle School and Escambia High School, where I played trombone in the band. I graduated in 1965 as a proud EHS Rebel. Early the next year, I joined the United States Navy and spent four years on active duty with RVAH-6 and retired from the reserves after 18 more years. I graduated from Pensacola Community College, then attended the University of South Florida. During this time, I was blessed with a son, Richard Douglas Bamonte, and a daughter, Kelli Maria Bamonte.

Needing a real job, I joined MetLife and spent the next 26 years in the insurance industry, which took me back to Pensacola, back to Tampa, then to Dallas, back to Pensacola, then to Columbia with Nobel Insurance Company, where I planted roots.

God led me to Riverland Hills Baptist Church when it was on St. Andrews Road. There, I met Mr. and Mrs. David Padgett, who provided spiritual guidance and helped me “bloom where I was planted.” I quickly became involved with using my cooking talents that God blessed me with.

I was also blessed to meet my future wife, Terri, in the Singles Class.

(The above portion was written by Michael)

During their 25 years of marriage, Mike and Terri grew spiritually and enjoyed Precept Bible study classes, volunteer work, travel and dining together. He became a son to Terri’s parents, Banks and Evelyn, and a brother to her sister, Melissa.

Mike was blessed to be a grandfather to Ethan, Andrew, Jonathan and Michael. He loved his grandchildren and took every opportunity to spend time with them, attending their sporting events and musical concerts.

Mike was passionate about helping others and caring for animals. He never met a stranger or a stray animal that he would not help if he saw they were in need. He used his passion for cooking as a ministry, feeding people’s bodies and souls. We know Mike hopes there is barbecue in heaven!

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Anita Bamonte.

He is survived by his loving wife, Terri; his son, Richard Bamonte (Janey); his daughter, Kelli Townsend; his brothers, Bill Bamonte (Elaine), Gary Bamonte (Mina), Kevin Bamonte (Teresa), and John Bamonte; his sister-in-law, Melissa Dutton; his grandchildren, Ethan Coe, Andrew Coe, Jonathan Coe and Michael Bamonte; “adopted” son, Philip Titone; numerous nephews; a niece; countless friends; and his beloved cat, Lucy.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, with visitation prior to the service from 12:00 until 12:45 p.m. A private family burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sharing God’s Love, the Riverland Hills Baptist Church Benevolence Fund or Pawmetto Lifeline.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Fravel and Dr. Michael Roberts for their many years of care.