Obituary of Thomas Martin Bonafede

Obituary for Thomas Martin Bonafede

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Bonafede, beloved father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, who left this world peacefully on November 30, 2025. His life was marked by service, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to the people he cared for.

Born in August 1943 in Rochester, New York, he was one of four children born to Caroline and Anthony Bonafede. He graduated from the Aquinas Institute in 1961 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science from the University of Rochester in 1967. He answered the call of his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict, where he was stationed in Germany, serving as an engineer working on nuclear submarines. After his military service, he worked for Xerox and later with major military contractors, including Lockheed Martin, until his retirement from software engineering in 2010.

He was a devoted family man — intelligent, witty, gentle, and overwhelmingly kind to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Together with his beloved wife, Patricia, he founded Wildwood on their estate in Honeoye Falls, an animal sanctuary that reflected their shared compassion for all living beings. He now joins Patricia in peaceful rest, reunited with the love of his life.

He is survived by his daughter, Erin, as well as her husband Matthew and his grandchild Mason. He is additionally survived by his siblings, Carol and John, as well as their children and grandchildren. He is finally survived by his friend Christine.

A celebration of his life will be held on December 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Falvo Funeral Home in Webster, followed by a memorial service on December 6 at 11:30 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mendon, NY. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a man whose strength, compassion, and gentle spirit will continue to shine through all those he touched.

May he rest in everlasting peace and love.