Declan Ray Bonsignore

Declan Ray Bonsignore entered this world on September 22, 2026, at 4:51 a.m., weighing 4 pounds 8 ounces. Just 4 days later, on September 25, 2026, he went home to be with Jesus, surrounded by the love of his parents, Mitchell and Katerina Bonsignore. He passed peacefully in his mother’s arms at 7:28 p.m.

Declan’s life was a miracle from the very beginning. His doctors did not expect him to survive until birth, much less to survive delivery or live for four and a half days afterward. Yet, in the sovereignty of God, Declan was sustained for exactly as long as the Lord knew he should be with his family.

Declan’s life brought people together in faith. His family, friends, church community, and even those who did not share their faith joined together in believing for a miracle. Though the miracle did not look the way they had hoped or prayed, Declan was still their miracle boy. His family finds comfort knowing that he is now healed and whole, held in the arms of his loving Savior. While their hearts ache that they can no longer hold him here on earth, they find peace knowing that there are no better arms for him to be held in than the arms of Jesus holding him now and for eternity.

Declan’s final day with his family was a beautiful gift. His parents were able to hold him throughout the day, beginning at 7 a.m. Mitchell and Katerina’s Pastors Roberto and Enely came to dedicate him and sing worship songs of gratitude, filling the NICU room with God’s presence and love. Mitchell and Kat spent hours holding Declan, telling him how deeply they loved him, sharing their dreams for him, and telling him about all of the people who had been praying for him throughout his short life, and how deeply loved he was. His grandparents and two sisters also came to spend time with him. His sisters were able to meet their baby brother one final time, and the family was grateful for the opportunity to make memories together, doing crafts with the nurses to decorate his hospital room.

It was not until the end of that beautiful family visit that his heart rate dropped dangerously low. His nurse came and gently explained that Declan appeared to be letting them know he was ready to go home to heaven. Even then, Mitchell and Kat continued to have faith that God could heal Declan, even in his final moments. However, they remained open and surrendered to whatever God’s decision would be for Declan’s future, trusting His ultimate will and plan even when they could not understand it.

The medical team lovingly arranged for Declan to leave the NICU room and spend his final moments outside in nature. Instead of being surrounded by the flashing lights and sounds of the hospital, Declan was held by his parents in the beautiful evening air, surrounded by a peaceful 68-degree breeze and the setting sun on the bayshore boardwalk. There, Mitchell and Kat shared their final words of love with their son. They spoke declarations over who Declan was and who they believed he would continue to be. Though his life on earth was only four and a half days, they believe his impact will reach far beyond those few days and far beyond the walls of the NICU.

Mitchell’s final words to Declan included a promise that, somehow, his story would help introduce countless people to Jesus. He told his son that he looked forward to the day they would meet again in glory, when Declan would greet his parents and lead them to meet their Savior, where they would hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servants.”

Though his passing brought unimaginable sorrow, his family remains deeply thankful for the gift of his final day. They were able to hold him, love him, worship over him, speak to him, and spend the entire day together. For them, it was a perfect final day with their miracle boy.

Declan is survived by his parents, Mitchell and Katerina Bonsignore, and his beloved sisters, Mirabelle and Mailyn. He is also deeply loved by his grandparents, extended family, church family, and countless people around the world who prayed fervently for him throughout his life. His family is profoundly grateful for every prayer, message, act of kindness, and expression of support they received throughout Declan’s journey. The prayers and faith of so many people helped strengthen them through some of the hardest days of their lives. They are thankful for the Church, the Body of Christ, and for the way God uses His people to strengthen, encourage, and carry one another through seasons of suffering. They also wanted to share a special thank you to the medical teams at Tampa General Hospital and the USF Maternal Fetal Medicine team who cared for Declan as if he were their own son.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Declan’s family never lost faith or hope in Jesus, for they believed God was with them in every step. Though there were many difficult and heartbreaking moments, they remain confident that they faithfully stewarded the precious time God entrusted Declan to them, both during his time in his mother’s womb and during his days in the hospital. His life was short, but his story is not. Declan’s family believes his story will continue to testify of what it means to have faith, to hold onto Christ, and to surrender and trust in Jesus even in the midst of profound heartbreak. All Glory to the Lord, for He is still good!

Services for Declan will be held at Life Church of Spring Hill (18924 County Line Road, Spring Hill, FL 34610) on Saturday, October 3rd. Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:00am, where the Funeral Service begin at 11:00am.