James Bonfiglio

Vincent James "Jim" Bonfiglio, most recently residing in Westchester County, New York, passed peacefully with God's grace on April 30th, 2025 at the age of 99 ½ years old. Although he tried his best to be an honored centenarian, it was not God's plan. Prior to living the past four years in White Plains NY, Jim resided in a variety of homes and locations in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Florida. Jim was always a man of action, on the move! Born on October 21st, 1925 in New York City and raised in the Riverdale section of The Bronx, he graduated from Manhattan Prep High School. After starting his college career at Manhattan College, Jim volunteered for the Navy in 1943. He was sent to Cornell University for officer training, but was called to active duty before completing his commission. He served in the South Pacific on the USS Destroyer Smalley 565, and was part of the fleet that escorted the Battleship USS Missouri into Tokyo Harbor for the signing of the peace treaty ending WWII. Being a veteran was an honor he shared with his eldest daughter Dee, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Shortly after enlisting in the Navy, while stationed in Philadelphia, Jim met, fell head-over-heels in love with, and eloped with the forever love of his life, Frances Jane Woodworth Evans. Since they were both still teenagers, they kept the marriage secret from their parents for a long time, until Frances Jane received a check from the Navy addressed to "Frances Jane Bonfiglio. " The cat was out of the bag, and they went on to have four children together. Frances Jane sadly passed away in 1978. Jim married two more times, and enjoyed the company of two additional loving partners over the long life he loved to share.

Prominent among Jim's many notable achievements in life was his membership in the Knights of Columbus Assembly #3089 in Sarasota, Florida, where he was appointed to the level of Fourth Degree Knight. Few men achieve this level, which is focused on fostering patriotism and encouraging active Catholic citizenship. Jim was beloved as a frequent and faithful reader of the gospel at his church in Sarasota, and participated in many high-level ceremonies in his capacity as a Fourth-Degree Knight.

In his heyday, Jim was an avid fisherman, a fabulous dancer, a curious world traveler and a noble golfer, having a hole-in-one to his credit! His passion for golf was most recently shared by watching tournaments on television, where he enjoyed immensely the lush scenery and fun banter with his son Chris during daily visits to see his Dad. An avid lover of music and especially opera, Jim shared this joy with his second daughter Rosemary, who is a professionally-trained soprano and music librarian.

An entrepreneur at heart, Jim's professions over the years included car salesman, truck and container sales, bank vice president, property management, and investor extraordinaire! He continued working past the age of ninety, and instilled this notable work ethic, as well as his strong spiritual upbringing, into the lives of his children. Jim felt especially privileged this past October to enjoy a wonderful 99th birthday celebration with his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

Jim is predeceased by his beloved parents, Vincent & "Carrie" Concetta Leanza Bonfiglio, his dedicated brothers Joseph Bonfiglio and the Rev. Father Anthony Bonfiglio, and his sister Nancy Bonfiglio Heckinger. Jim's beautiful and talented youngest son, Timothy Evans Woodworth Bonfiglio, passed with God's grace in 1994.

Blessed with a long and beautiful life, Jim is survived by his loving daughter Dee Robinson and her husband Phil Robinson, dedicated son James Christopher "Chris" Bonfiglio and wife Adriane Keleshian Bonfiglio, daughter Rosemary Summers and her husband Robert Baker, and step-daughter Jennifer Kaiser and her husband Matt Kaiser. He was the proud grandfather of Sarah, Laura, and William Summers, and Sofia Kaiser, and great-grandfather to Anais Summers Robbins. Jim will be forever in our hearts. His legacy of a life well-lived will be remembered fondly by all who journeyed with him along the way.

Funeral arrangements with a Catholic chapel service and U.S. Veterans Honor Guard at graveside is scheduled for 12:00 PM on Friday, May 9th 2025 at Hanover Green Cemetery, 689 Main Road, Wilkes Barre PA 18706, where he will be buried beside his beloved Frances Jane. Gracious in lieu of flower donations may be sent in memory of V. James Bonfiglio to: American Legion Post 1038, 27 Legion Drive, Valhalla NY 10595 ATTN: John J. Creskey, Commander.