Joseph V. Bonefeste

Joseph V. Bonefeste, 84, of Springfield, died at 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at Capitol Care Center. Joe was born on April 18, 1922 in Argentine, Pennsylvania, the son of Natale and Frances 'Rose' Cacia Bonefeste. He married Pat M. Petrilli on February 9, 1946 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church; she preceded him in death on August 3, 1996. He graduated from both the University of Illinois and Illinois State University and earned both his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran receiving the American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze battle star, A-P Theater Ribbon with two bronze battle stars, one overseas service bar and WWII Victory Medal. He was an elementary school administrator for thirty-four years for Greenview and Springfield District 186. He was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir and served on the finance committee.He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 364, AARP and American Legion Post 0032. He was also a member of the YMCA, the Springfield Symphony, German Band, the University of Illinois Alumni Marching Band and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Joe served as past President for the Illinois Treasurers Association and the Roman Cultural Society and served as a manager and member of the Springfield Municipal band and played in several dance bands as well. Joe served as the Sangamon County Treasurer for twenty years and during real estate tax payment time you could find him greeting everyone at the door with his friendly smile and warm handshake. He was also preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two sons: Joseph Bonefeste and Jim Bonefeste; two grandsons: Anthony Bonefeste and Adam Bonefeste all of Springfield; one brother: Dominic (wife, Ann) of Butler, PA; two sisters: Catherine Cipollone and Mary Morando also of Butler, PA and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. followed by a service performed by the Roman Cultural Society. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2006 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church 1020 N. Milton, Springfield, with Rev. Richard L. Chiola celebrant. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1020 N. Milton, Springfield, IL 62702 or the American Cancer Society1305 Wabash, Suite J, Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Joseph V. Bonefeste is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. St. Springfield.