Mr. Truman T. "Mr. B" Bonifazi

SOUTH UTICA - Mr. Truman T. “Mr. B” Bonifazi, age 89, went home to his father in Heaven as he passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 25, 2017 surrounded by his children. Born in Utica on April 8, 1927, Truman was the son of the late Frank and Elinor (Skinner) Bonifazi. He was a graduate of Syracuse University majoring in Art Education. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Truman served his country from 1950-1952 as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict as well as a Reservist until his honorable discharge in 1956. On September 4, 1954, at the former St. Agnes Church, he married the former Stella Scarano and shared with her nearly a half a century. They admired each other’s talents, balanced one another’s personalities, and loved unconditionally. Truman has missed his “Stellina” since the day of her passing on March 7, 2004, and they are now reunited. Mr. B began his professional teaching career in the Herkimer, West Canada, Ilion, and Poland School Districts. He then accepted a position with the Utica City School District at JFK High School as an Art and Photography instructor and was appointed Department Head for the program. He was well-respected and regarded as “Mr. B”, retiring in 1987. During his high school teaching career, he concurrently enjoyed his position as Instructor of Photography at M.V.C.C. It was remarkable the number of students who remembered him in his later years. Truman was also a bass jazz musician and a longtime member of the Utica Musicians Union. He performed locally and his gigs included weddings, celebrations, and local gatherings. Jazz was his passion and among the many professionals he admired, Charlie Parker was the most prominent. Truman and his wife Stella worked as a team, while studying at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, as well as setting up exhibitions of paintings, photos, and sculptures throughout the country. Truman, his late wife Stella, Guy Danella, and Anthony Mancini were of the first abstract painters in Central New York. Truman’s family made him most proud. He was a convert to Catholicism and embraced its creed. He and Stella attended Holy Trinity Church as a couple in their earlier years. He also served as Chairman of the Oneida County Right-to-Life Committee. Truman was a peacemaker, and an intellectual. He was reserved, respectful, and had a high regard for life. Truman is survived by his children and their families, Frank P. and Wendy Bonifazi of Colorado, Joseph A. Bonifazi, a great son, caretaker, and best friend with whom he shared a home, and Bettina Lindsey and companion Bruce Palmer of South Utica; his grandchildren, Jesse Bonifazi; Katelyn Lindsey, and Shannen Lindsey; and his great-grandson, Jasper. He also leaves his niece, Michelle Vekved and her husband Steve; cousins, friends Bob and Marilyn Brooks, neighbors who visited and were always available to help in any way; and Delores Mitzler who brought company, comfort, and Holy Communion to Truman. He will also be missed by his feline “boys”, Gary and Scruppy, who were his companions. He was predeceased by his brother, Remo Bonifazi; an infant sister; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank P. and Helen Scarano. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Francis Chabot, outstanding professional and trusted family friend, Dr. Clifford Soults, and Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, all of whom collectively monitored and treated Truman throughout his illness; and Father Kevin Bunger for his prayers which were of great comfort and compassion. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Truman’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Kevin Bunger. Military Honors will be conferred by the United States Army in the vestibule after the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Truman T. "Mr. B" Bonifazi

April 8, 1927 - March 25, 2017