Joseph H. Bonugli

On December 19, 2012, Joseph Humbert Bonugli joined his heavenly father in eternal paradise. Joe was born October 16, 1927 to Basilio and Lucy Taliaffero Bonugli. Devoted husband, father, and friend, Joe left behind a legacy of love and an abundance of wisdom that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will keep in their hearts forever. His life was full. Joe loved and was loved greatly. His strength, gentleness, work ethic, patience, compassion and faith in God sustained him through his life and made an indelible impression on the lives he touched. The greatest gift he gave his children was the ever-present love and devotion to his sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Dorothy Murray Bonugli. First in his life was love of God followed by love of family, and his dedication to growing the family business.

Joe was the founder of Mission Plumbing, Heating, and Air-conditioning Co., opened in 1956. Joe was respected in San Antonio as a committed and honest mechanical contractor. He was a man of integrity, and his word was golden. Joe made a difference in hundreds of young men's lives by serving as Chairman of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142 Apprentice training program for over 40 years. He was a member of and served on many committees including: The Mechanical Contractors Association, Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association, City of San Antonio Plumbing Appeals and Advisory Board, and the San Antonio Master Plumbers Association. Joe took pride in his work and customers big and small recognized his commitment to getting the job done and doing it right.

Joe was a member of the Alhambra Bejar Caravan #56 and served as Grand Commander. He was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church for 45 years and presently a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Joe was involved as an active father at all of the schools his children attended, primarily flipping pancakes, barbequing chickens, setting up for festivals, buying raffle tickets as well as hundred of boxes of girl scout cookies. He left his mark at St. Martin's Hall, Antonian, Ursuline, John Marshall and Holmes High School. His children will always be grateful for the college educations he provided them at Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and St. Mary's University.

The most valuable education his children received is the one acquired through watching their father live and practice his faith. He was a man of few words, but meant what he said, and his words were from his heart. Joe was a member of the St. Patrick's Holy Family Guild for over 60 years serving as a president and every other position. Members of the Guild were his most cherished friends. God centered and family based, some of his most wonderful memories came from family times with the Guild.

Joe loved life and began each day with a morning offering to God. He attended mass daily, as long as he was able. With no regret, he always put family needs, interests and activities first. His passion was his family and he referred to his children as his jewels. Joe especially enjoyed Sunday afternoons sitting around the pool, preparing barbeque, and playing with the grandchildren. For Joe, heaven on earth was spending time in Rockport, sitting on the porch, feeling the breeze or attending mass at the Stella Maris Chapel in Lamar. Joe also valued time spent at the family farm in Castroville. He named his cows, hogs, and chickens, and he was dedicated to taking good care of them. While his sons and grandsons were off hunting, Joe would lovingly prepare breakfast for their return, and the stories they shared were his true treasures.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Joe is survived by his wife, Dorothy M. Bonugli; son, Michael Bonugli; son, Christopher Bonugli and wife Autumn; daughter, Laura Ponder and husband Sam; daughter, Judy Moake and husband Rodney; daughter, Maureen Appling and husband Dean; son, Joseph Bonugli; son, Dominic Bonugli and wife Martha; grandchildren, Lauren Anderson and Audrey Bonugli, Emily Whitworth, Sarah May and Simon Ponder, John, Joseph and Michael Moake, Max and Frank Appling, Joe and Paige Bonugli; great-grandchildren, Keller, Lilah and Maggie May, Jack Whitworth, Owen and Oliver Moake; and sister, Mary Ellen Peters.

Joe will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Memories of his sparkling eyes, his quiet laughter, his precious words of wisdom, and his warm embrace will always be with us. Thank you, Pop, Daddy, and Dad. We love you so much and don't you ever forget it.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 21, 2012, at St. Luke's Catholic Church.

ROSARY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

7:00 P.M.

ST. LUKE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

4603 MANITOU DRIVE

MASS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2012

10:00 A.M.

ST. LUKE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

The family requests you honor their wish for a private family burial.

We would like to express sincere gratitude to our special friends and care-givers from Sister's Care of the Incarnate Word. Our love goes to: Mary Saldana, Linda Rodriguez, Victoria Stith, Elsie Antelo, Sheila Lee, and Brandon Hambright. We send our sincere appreciation to hospice care provided by Evercare Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.