Joseph Charles Bonavina, Jr.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP-Joseph Charles Bonavina, Jr., 63, of 18 South Regent Street, Hanover Township, passed away Monday at home, surrounded by his wife and family. Born in Hanover Township on April 20, 1945, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helene Donnelly Bonavina. He was an active member of Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wilkes-Barre, where he served on the Board of Trustees and assisted in many church functions. He was a 1963 graduate of Hanover High School. Joseph received his master plumber license and worked with the Pipefitters/ Plumbers Local Union 524, J.L. Turner Co. as a foreman, and in the maintenance dept. at Mercy Hospital (presently Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre Hospital) throughout his life. He was a member of the Lee Park Little League organization, volunteered for the Hanover Area Mini Hawks and the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department. Joseph also served on the Hanover Area School Board for eight years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Bonavina. Joseph is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra E. (Smith) Bonavina ; children Jody Finnegan and her husband, William; Sandra J. Bonavina; Antonio Bonavina, Tracey DeRocco and her husband, Jeffrey; and Joseph Bonavina III; brother Anthony James (Jamie) Bonavina; sisters Antoinette (Toni) Ide and Carmen (Tina) Jones; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rachel, Katherine, Kristen and Ian Finnegan and Jeffrey and Mason DeRocco and many nieces and nephews. Joe was devoted to his family, friends and community and will be sadly missed by all. Friends and family may call Tuesday evening, June 10th from 5 PM to 9 PM at the Kniffen-O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc. 465 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre . The funeral service will take place at the Baptist Tabernacle Church located at 63 Division Street in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ken Jordan officiating. Those attending the funeral service are asked to go directly to the church. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions can be made to the Baptist Tabernacle Church. Send condolences at www.BestLifeTributes.com.