Mr. Francesco "Frank" Bonacci

NEW HARTFORD – Mr. Francesco “Frank” Bonacci, age 94, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. At the time of his passing, he was in the company of his son and in the hearts of his family. Born in Decollatura, Calabria, Italy on September 22, 1929, Frank was the son of the late Angelo and Angelina (Volpe) Bonacci. In 1948 he came to join his father in the United States, settling in Utica. As the years passed, the rest of his immediate family arrived and made Utica their home. His primary education was completed in Italy, and after his time in the service, he graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. In 1967 he completed his higher education studies at Syracuse University, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Although raised in Italy, Frank was born a U.S. citizen, and served our country with the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, stationed in Germany. He was proud to have served and felt blessed for the advantages that he received during this developmental time of his life. On January 9, 1965, he wed his co-worker and friend, Sylvia Slivsek. They shared a mutual respect for one another and a passion to help others. If any marriage is made in heaven, this was it. His kindness and sense of humor was endless, his humor kept her laughing, and nothing mattered more than his family. They knew the treasure and gift of laughter in their marriage, and spending precious time together as a family was a blessing to them. They loved entertaining and sharing celebrations big and small with their extended family and friends. As a young immigrant aspiring to create a successful life, he took whatever work he could find. He baked bread, polished salami, shoveled snow, delivered coal, and worked as a painter and a tailor. After his time in the service and in completing his collegiate studies, he turned his attention to social work and obtained employment with the Oneida County Department of Social Services. He began as a case worker and was afforded many opportunities to start new and innovative programs, including a detention home for troubled teens and the school breakfast program for Oneida County School Districts. Eventually he became the Director of Intake for Child Welfare in Oneida County and retired from that position after four decades. In his work he was passionately dedicated to helping people find their way. He always aspired to be kind, helpful, and compassionate – traits that guided his lengthy and successful career as a social worker. Ever an enchanting and humorous man, Frank will be recalled as a gifted storyteller. He possessed the ability to spin many amusing tales about everyday life. He had a gentle nature and a reputation as being a true friend to many. Mostly, he had a large heart for children and anyone who was underrepresented, an appreciation that was innately part of his personhood. In his later years, he craved the peace and tranquility of his home and the company of his family He could often be found tinkering outside his shed in the woods, taking in the view from his hilltop perch, enjoying summer evenings outdoors, and tending to his garden. Although not a musician himself, Frank deeply appreciated beautiful music of all kinds, especially Italian opera and folk music from his home province of Calabria. When working around the house, he would always treat himself to entertainment courtesy of his vinyl LP’s and Saturday afternoon Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. A lifelong Roman Catholic, he respected the traditions of the church and quietly and devoutly observed his faith. Frank is survived by his cherished wife, Sylvia; his sons and daughter-in-law, Angelo Bonacci, and Andrew and Mary Bonacci; and his grandchildren, Steven, and Anton Bonacci. He treasured the memory of his sister, Maria Carmela Gigliotti, who preceded him. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews, Angela and Walter Bange, Vinicia and Frank DeFazio, the Hon. Louis Gigliotti, and Michael and Lisa Gigliotti; his cousins who reside in Italy and Australia; and his “chosen family” Maria Elena Heck and Sylvia Amoroso, and Rocco Pepe and his wife Scarlett. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Martin and Mary (Yerina) Slivsek; and by his “Aunt” Teresa Pietrogiacomo. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Frank’s dedicated physician Dr. Amy Gorczynski and to Dr. David Almeleh and the entire third floor staff at Little Falls Hospital for their outstanding care and many kindnesses. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Frank’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St. Military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Acknowledging the mission of their organization, memorial contributions in Frank’s honor may be made to the Thea Bowman House online at www.theabowmanhouse.org/donate.

Mr. Francesco "Frank" Bonacci

September 22, 1929 - November 7, 2023