Mr. Robert "Bob" Bonanza Sr.

UTICA - Mr. Robert “Bob” Bonanza, Sr., age 80, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. At the time of his passing, his loving wife Ida and his family were by his side. Born in Utica on February 19, 1937, Robert was the son of the late Joseph and Laura (Pflanz) Bonanza. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On September 6, 1986 he married Ida M. Meenan with whom he shared a 30 year union based on tremendous love and devotion. Their relationship, in total, spanned over 40 years and they were inseparable. Bob was involved with his family in the operation of Bonanza Movers. In his retirement years, he enjoyed spending his time to help manage the family concern, The Waffle House on Genesee Street. He had a passion for the sport of bowling and participated in various local leagues. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church. Bob held a deep devotion to his Catholic faith and his family. Bob is survived by his wife, Ida; his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa M. and Shawn Schmidt of Utica; his son and daughter-in-law, Bobby, Jr. and Linda Bonanza of Rome, NY; his grandchildren, Gianna Schmidt, Michalena Schmidt; Jason Bonanza, Santino Bonanza, Salvatore Bonanza, and Vincent Bonanza; his great-grandchildren; his sister, Janice Hawelka and Maureen Zombick, of Utica; and his brother and sister-in-law, James and Dolores Bonanza of Utica. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Cynthia Meenan, Kathleen and Frank Zammiello, Charles and Lynda Cooper, Bernard H., Jr. and Kathleen Meenan, Kevin Meenan, and Donald Meenan. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles F. and Theresa Bonanza, Joseph J. “Snooky” Bonanza Jr., and Donald A. and Olive "Lee" Bonanza; and his sisters, Patricia (Lavier) Bonanza, and Corrine M. Bonanza. The family is grateful for the loving relationship that Bob shared with Rev. Anthony P. LaFache who offered his love and spiritual guidance; and the doctors, nurses, and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their compassionate care and medical expertise. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Robert’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Robert "Bob" Bonanza Sr.

February 19, 1937 - April 11, 2017