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Obituary

Mary Bonfante, age 98 passed away on January 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was an inspiration to all who knew her. She immigrated to the United States from Italy as a young girl with her parents Vincenzo and Josephine Gasbarro and her three brothers. She grew up in Grandview Heights, Ohio, and married John Bonfante as a young woman. John and Mary raised their five children in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Mary was known by her family for her strong faith and love of our Lord. She was the first one at 6:30 am Mass at St. Andrew Parish five days a week and could be found praying in church often after work. Many bore witness to her presence in the church and remember her as the quintessential Italian mother praying for her family. Mary did not have to speak to leave an impression on others; it was her innate joy and holiness that people noticed. Some call her "legendary" as she took great joy in heading to her son's restaurant, Vincenzo's, six days a week, after mass, for a full day of cooking her delicious Italian recipes and making pasta. Many would see her working long hours through the age of 96. Mary was petite but mighty in her strength and resilience, which seemed to grow as she aged. She was the Italian matriarch who always took care of others before herself. Family meant everything to Mary, which was evidenced in her pastry trays, she spent weeks preparing, at Christmas time for each family, her thoughtful cards for everyone's birthdays and anniversaries, and her gentle presence at family gatherings. Her grandchildren call themselves blessed and say she loved them unconditionally which was a once in a lifetime experience. Some remember her being at every special event, noting how she would cook something extra special without ever complaining. Others remember watching old movies with her, listening to classical music, and playing dress up as children in her beautiful clothes. Mary would light up with joy at seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren walk in the room. She could be found on Christmas Eve sitting on the sofa with them while the family celebrated the Feast of Seven Fishes, a Bonfante tradition. The love that Mary shared with her family will live on and her quiet, yet powerful faith, will continue to inspire all who knew her. A visitation will be held on Monday, Feb 5, 2024 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass at St. Andrew Parish, 1899 McCoy Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio, 43220. Mary is survived by and will be greatly missed by her children, Louis Bonfante; his children, Daniella (Russ) Fisher and Louis Bonfante Jr., Peggy (Mark) Favret; and their children, Peter (Corina) Favret, Patrick (Kelsey) Favret, and Johnny (Kathy) Bonfante; and their children, Ian Bonfante, Lauren (John Weiss) Bonfante, Kylee (Rob McCormick) Bonfante, and Jimmy Bonfante; and his children, Gus Bonfante and Lana Bonfante; and Bobby (Angela) Bonfante; and their children, Joey (Olesya) Bonfante, Betsy Bonfante, and Sophie Krencik. Mary is also survived by her seven great-grandchildren; Johnny and Madeline McCormick, Nicolas, Thomas, and Vincent Weise, Linden and Liliana Fisher, and Ellie Bonfante; Brothers, Gino Gasbarro and Alio Gasbarro. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 41 years John Bonfante; grandson, David Favret; brother, Nick (Marilyn) Gasbarro; and daughter-in-law, Linda Bonfante. It was Mary's wish that any donations be made to St. Andrew Parish, Upper Arlington, Ohio or to Kobacker House (links are below). The family would like to thank Kobacker House for their tremendous care and support these last seven months and Griswold Home Care for their loving care of Mary and most especially her "Bestie" Afua, who was heaven sent.