Obituary of Thomas L. Bonvicini

Gaetano (Tom) Louis Bonvicini, age 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 22, 2016 in his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Jane Casey Bonvicini for 67 years. He was born in Verona, Italy, on September 22, 1922 to the late Guiseppe and Guiseppina Bonvicini. At the age of 8, Tom immigrated to the United States with his family and settled in the west end of Bridgeport. He was a resident of Trumbull for 40 years until recently relocating to Shelton in 2015. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII in the Pacific, stationed in Saipan. He had a strong work ethic, working as a tool and die maker, first for Remington Rand in Bridgeport and later retired from Avery Abrasives in Trumbull. Tom had a healthy zest for life and enjoyed athletics of any kind. He was a high-scoring duck pin bowler for the "Big Six" league since 1955 until the league retired in 2013. He played ping pong, shuffleboard, horseshoes, tennis, and loved to golf until the age of 92. He was affectionately referred to as "Mr. Shuffleboard" at the American Legion Post 16, Shelton, CT. In addition to being an athlete, he was a true Yankees fan, and loved following women's college basketball especially University of Arizona and Seattle University. He loved to participate in the local March Madness pool, especially if he won! Tom belonged to many diverse social clubs and community organizations over the years, most recently with the American Legion, Post 16, Catholic War Veterans, and Germania Schwaben Club. A devout catholic, Tom was a dedicated parishioner of St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. Tom lived life to the fullest and was extremely proud of his family and more recently was excited to become a great-grandfather. He is survived by his four devoted daughters: Mary Jane Maglione (Neil) of Salem, MA, Joan Bonvicini (Leah) of Seattle, WA, Kathleen Bonvicini of North Haven, Sheila Olcott (John) of Milford ; his nine cherished grandchildren, Adam Bonvicini Gschwender (Kim), Elizabeth and David Maglione, Adam, Kevin and Daniel Bonvicini, Olivia and Jacqueline DelPrete, and Shea Oliver; his great-grandson, Calvin Early Gschwender; his brother Guido Bonvicini and his wife Carol; and several nieces and nephews and loving friends. In addition to his late wife, Jane, he was predeceased by his only son, Thomas J. Bonvicini. The Bonvicini Family would like to thank the staff at Benchmark Assisted Living at Split Rock, and Caring Hospice for their compassionate and loving care and support to Tom and the entire family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. directly in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St., Trumbull. Interment with military honors will follow in Long Hill Burial Grounds, Trumbull. Family and friends may call at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory may be made to a veteran's charity of your choice.