Miss Lucille A. "Ceil" Bonanza

NORTH GRAFTON, MA / UTICA – Miss Lucille A. “Ceil” Bonanza, age 83, passed away on St. Joseph’s Day, Thursday, March 19, 2026. She was never without her family’s love, their thoughts, and their prayers. Born in Utica on September 3, 1942, Lucille was the daughter of the late Rocco A. and Josephine (Buonasegna) Bonanza. She was a natural caregiver and in the way she oversaw the wellness of her parents and her aunt, Rose, she showed a rare and humble kind of love – one that asks for nothing, yet she gave everything. Lucille began her education at Wetmore St. Elementary School, and ultimately was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, with the Class of 1960. In her secondary school years, she started working in retail at the iconic Lerners Clothing Store. Her main profession was a proofreader for a local publishing company, an appropriate position for her personality and mindset. Lucille was a thoughtful and attentive listener, always respectful and considerate, with a quiet and gentle demeanor. About 18 months ago, when she was no longer able to fully care for her own needs, she was lovingly welcomed into the Massachusetts home of her sister and brother-in-law, along with their families, who became her devoted caregivers. Though it marked a significant change in her life, it brought her great comfort and happiness, especially as she grew even closer to her nieces, nephews, and her cherished great-nieces and great-nephews. Likewise, her family was elated to have her there with them. As the years passed, Lucille continued her love of reading, often enjoying newspapers and magazines. More recently, she found simple pleasure in assembling jigsaw puzzles alongside her sister, a pastime that brought them time together and quiet joy. Lucille was a woman with a great sense of Catholic faith. Being administered the Anointing of the Sick was a great comfort to her, as it spiritually prepared her for her eternal journey. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Lucille is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Joseph DiRoberto; nieces and nephews, Michele and David Riccobono, and Matthew and Erica DiRoberto; great-nieces and great-nephews, Jake, and Sophia Riccobono; Sloane, Jordan, and Leighton DiRoberto; as well as several dear cousins. When residing in Utica, she was known to her neighbors on Boyce Ave. as Miss Lucy, for which she was truly blessed to have such good friends. She was predeceased by her beloved aunt, Rose Pietrafesa. The family graciously accepts floral offerings, and memorial donations to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America online at www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at her service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lucille’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Her interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery alongside her parents.

Miss Lucille A. "Ceil" Bonanza

September 3, 1942 - March 19, 2026