Obituary of Fr. Bonaventure Bionda O.F.M.

Fr. Bonaventure Bionda, O.F.M. Fr. Bonaventure Bionda, O.F.M. of Saint Anthony Friary, Catskill entered into rest Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson. He was 81. Son of the late Domenico and Mary Castignoli Bionda, he was born October 2, 1927 in New York City. He was received into the novitiate on July 14, 1950. He made his first profession on July 15, 1951 and was admitted to solemn vows on July 15, 1954. Bonaventure was ordained priest on June 20, 1959. Fr. Bonaventure's ministry assignments included Saint Francis Seminary, Andover, MA; Christopher Columbus High School, Boston, MA; Scotus Friary, Brighton, MA; Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Derry, NH; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Watervliet, NY; Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Troy, NY; and Sacred Heart Parish, Palenville, NY. Fr. Bonaventure retired from full time ministry in 2005 and made his home at Saint Anthony Friary, Catskill. In addition to all in the Province of the Immaculate Conception, Fr. Bonaventure is survived by his sister, Gina LaPan of Poughkeepsie and two nieces and one nephew. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter. Visitation will be on Monday, September 21, 2009 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Saint Anthony Friary, 24 Harrison Street, Catskill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, September 22 at 10 a.m. at Saint Anthony Friary. Entombment will follow in the Friar's Cemetery at Mount Alvernia, DeLavergne Avenue, Wappingers Falls. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano and Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.