Francis "Bugs" Bonafede

Francis “Bugs” Bonafede, We are devastated to announce that on November 19, 2023 Bugs passed away at home with family and friends by his side, after an unexpected and quick bout with cancer. 

He was born in Mingo Jct., Ohio on November 30, 1931 to Franco and Chiarina (DelGallo) Bonafede. He was 91.  His sisters, Eva (Angelo) Vaccaro, Dorothy (Dominick) Florentine, Evelyn (Angelo) Dappollonio, Clara (Edward) Pagnanelli, and Gloria (Paul) Bracone preceded him in death.

Surviving is his wife of nearly 70 years Hazel (Foley) Bonafede, daughters Dr. Debbie Bonafede of Steubenville, Lisa (Paul) Gearhart of Riverside, CA, Francine (Kerry) Price of Howard, Ohio, and his “4th daughter”, Leslie (Bracone) Simpson.  He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Gearhart, Austin Gearhart, and Jordan (Maddie) Gearhart of Riverside, CA, Ian (Amanda) Gearhart of Phoenix, AZ, and his great-grandchildren, Addison, Harper, Weston, Sully, Scottie, Renell, and Hazel, many nephews and nieces, and his buddies, Gracie and Shady.

Bugs graduated from Mingo High School in 1949; he served in the U.S. Navy reserves from 1950 to 1956 and was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mingo.

He was a master builder, mason, and carpenter for most of his life. He loved helping others whether it be building a house, putting in a new door, or simply fixing a dripping faucet. He owned and operated Ohio Valley News in Mingo for years, worked for Mingo Water Department, and Trinity Medical Center East. He was a selfless servant of God and lived his life fully, always putting others before himself.

We would like to thank family members and friends who were and are being so supportive during this difficult time.  Especially, much gratitude to Dr. John Figel, whose selfless service, compassion, and healing ways were – and are – invaluable.

We will celebrate Bugs’ life on Monday, November 27, at Wheeler Funeral Home, 101 Longview Ave., Mingo Junction, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of his funeral service at 4 p.m. with Rev. Fr. James M. Dunfee, officiating. Private burial at Oakland Cemetery in Mingo Junction.

Offer condolences online at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis "Bugs" Bonafede, please visit our floral store.