Donald A. "Don" Bonanza

Mr. Donald A. “Don” Bonanza, age 86, formerly of Conkling Ave., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Donald was born in Utica on January 8, 1925, the son of the late Joseph and Laura (Pflanz) Bonanza. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he honorably served his country during World War II stationed in the Asiatic and Pacific Theater. It was in San Diego, California on October 13, 1945 that he married the former Olive Lee; the couple shared 47 years in a loving and blessed union until her passing on March 31, 1993. At one time, Don owned and operated Don’s Ponderosa Gulf Service Stations on Genesee and Oneida Streets. He was an avid bowler for many years, participating in the Untouchables League of the Utica Bowlers Association (UBA) where he served as a past president. He was a member of the American Legion New Hartford Post #1376, and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. Don is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Marvin Martin, Sr. of Cassville, NY; his son, Brian J. Bonanza and Michelle Cossette of Utica; his grandchildren, Marvin, Jr. and Tara Martin of Sauquoit, Brandon Martin of Cassville, Joseph Bonanza of Westmoreland, Dominick and Amy Bonanza of Clayville, Denise and Clay Asch, and Cheyanne Bonanza of AZ; and his great-grandchildren, Kiley and Ashley Martin; Joseph and Brittany Bonanza; Anthony, Zachary, and Sabrina Bonanza; Nathan and Danielle Backer and Rylee Asch. In addition, he leaves his sister, Janice Hawelka of Schuyler; his brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Delores Bonanza, and Robert and Ida Bonanza, all of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and close special friends. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Charles and Theresa Bonanza, and Joseph “Snooky” Bonanza; and his sisters, Patricia Bonanza, and Corrine M. Bonanza. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The American Legion New Hartford Post #1376 will gather at the funeral home at 6:30 for a service. Donald’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 11:00 at the funeral home with Sister Elizabeth Giarrusso, CSJ officiating the ceremony. Committal prayers and entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum with Military Honors conferred.

Donald A. "Don" Bonanza

January 8, 1925 - June 11, 2011