Joseph G. Bonica

Joseph “Joe” Gerard Bonica, 65, of Roslindale, MA passed away at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on February 18, 2025 after a courageous, months-long battle with several illnesses. His brother, John, was by his side. A beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend, Joe, will always be remembered for his big laugh, bigger smile and unabashed joy at even the simplest of things.

Joe was born in Boston on December 19, 1959. He was the first child of Joseph Stephen and Lucia Maude Bonica of West Roxbury.

After Joe graduated from Boston Latin in 1979, he attended Northeastern University where he earned an “A” in a Meteorology class. It was his proudest educational achievement in a subject that was a life-long passion. Before smartphones could provide the upcoming weather forecast, family and friends would ask Joe.

Always a “people person”, Joe held several customer-service jobs in his working life. He was a shopping cart attendant at Star Market in Brighton for over 12 years and was awarded with his 10-year badge from the company in 2019.

Joe’s favorite work, however, was volunteering in the kitchen at Webster House, the Vinfen clubhouse where he was a member for many years. Before it was time to clean up, he liked to call his brother, James, to tell him what was on the lunch menu when he was lining up to get his plate. The Webster House staff remember that other members were always gathering around to chat with Joe. Everyone at Webster House also played a key role in Joe’s favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. For several years, he enjoyed an afternoon dinner there with clubhouse friends, then a follow-up meal with family over at his sister, Jeanne’s, house a few hours later.

Joe was a lifelong resident of the Boston area where he received all Catholic sacraments up to Confirmation at St. Theresa of Avila Church in West Roxbury.

He enjoyed watching local sports, especially the New England Patriots. Joe would like to remind others that he was a fan of the Pats “before they were good.”

Joe is predeceased by his father and mother Joseph S. and Lucia M. Bonica; his uncle and aunt Donald J. and Beatrice M. Bonica; his aunt Valerie Saiving; and nephew John L. Guerin.

Joe leaves behind his sister, Jeanne M. Guerin of Weston; brother, John P. (Cathleen) Bonica of Leominster; brother James S. Bonica of Arlington; his beloved aunt and godmother, Stephanie Bonica of Norwood; his nephews and nieces, Adam J. Guerin of Weston, Sophia J. Guerin of Quincy, Naomi Bonica of Leominster and Julia L. Bonica of Lunenburg.

A Requiem Mass for Joe will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre St., West Roxbury. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on the same day at the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home, 8 Spring St., West Roxbury.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Joe will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

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