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Obituaries

Helen M. Bonitatibus

12/16/1915 - 12/17/2015

Text:

Obituary For Helen M. Bonitatibus

Helen Marie Camerlengo Bonitatibus of Boca Raton, Florida and a native of her beloved Steubenville, Ohio died on December 17, 2015. She was born on December 16, 1915 and is preceded in death by her husband, Nick Bonitatibus (May 13,1988) to whom she was married for 52 years. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Dominic and Ida Mancini Camerlengo and two brothers, Larry and Mario.

Helen loved her family.

Helen is survived by her daughter Elaine (Marty) of Boca Raton who she resided with for many years and two sons, Peter (Charmaine) of Boca Raton and Paul (Kathy) of New Orleans. Seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren were her pride and joy – Nick Kocal (Jennifer/Gary); Karen Condon (Terrance/ Elizabeth and Kevin); Tony Bonitatibus (Jennifer/ Emily, Haley, and Lily); Susan Buckley (Matthew/ Matthew, Jack, and Keeley; Kris Bonitatibus (Jennifer/Zoe and Anna); Shannon Obletz (Justin/ Katelin, Aidan, and Brendan); and Meghan Bonitatibus of Washington, D.C.

Her sister, Virginia Camerlengo Fato of Memphis, and sister-in-law, Clara Camerlengo of Steubenville, also survive Helen.

Helen loved St Anthony’s Church in Steubenville where she was married and her children were raised in their Catholic faith.

She was an active member and held offices in the parish’s Catholic Women’s Club. She also belonged to the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, The BPOE auxiliary, the Steubenville Little League Mothers’ Club, the Civic Music Club, the Dean Martin Club, and card clubs with dear friends.

Helen loved music.

She played the accordion and won every amateur talent show that she entered. She played for her homeroom assembly at Wells High School (Class of 1933). When she was 13, Helen, Mario, Larry and Virginia formed a musical group known as the Gondoliers. The one non-family member of the band was a close family friend, Dino Crocetti, the drummer. Dino went on to singing and movie fame as Dean Martin.

Helen loved to communicate.

She was a prolific letter writer and at age 90 began to use the computer to send daily emails to friends and family. She had many, many friends, so she kept the Post Office and Internet busy.

Helen loved life.

Parties at Oregon Avenue, family vacations to Geneva-on-the-Lake, Notre Dame games, trips to Europe, and doing cartwheels up South Street. She has left a lifetime of legacy and lessons. She will be missed, but never forgotten. A memorial Mass is being celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church in Boca Raton with interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Steubenville.

Arrangements by Shorac Funeral Home, Steubenville, Ohio

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Condolences

  • 09/03/2024

    Jean Lamatrice

    To the Bonitatibus family,My condolences on the passing of your mom. She and your dad were friends of my parents and when they passed she wrote beautiful letters as was her trademark. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

  • 09/03/2024

    Nicholas Kocal (Grandson) and Family

  • 09/03/2024

    Delray beach Florida

    Our beloved Mimi who I am honored adopted me as one of her own granddaughters. Mimi will always have a special place in my heart. She was a strong woman who also had us laughing a lot. May she rest in enternal peace . She will be forever missed. Jenna

  • 09/03/2024

    Donna Cocumelli Lucas

    So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She and my Mom Kiki, were such good friends. The last time we were all together at a Big Red all class reunion. She, Mario, Virginia and Helen were all seated at the same table as they were the oldest. It was such a great time. Love and prayers.Donna Cocumelli Lucas

  • 09/03/2024

    JoAnn Falone

    Our deepest condolences to the entire Bonitatibus Family. Aunt Helen was precious to her last breath. As close as family as we could ever ask. Always in our hearts and never far from our most loving thoughts of growing up with the Bonitatibus Family. All those sweet handwritten notes and emails from Aunt Helen to Mom and me, I've kept every one of them. John and Irma, Nick and Helen, together again, picking up right where they left off. A lifetime of love, how very blessed we were to have Aunt Helen in our lives. Always remembered, never forgotten. A beautiful life, well lived. Love always, JoAnn Falone & John Falone Jr

  • 09/03/2024

    JoAnn & John Jr

  • 09/03/2024

    Paul Bonitatibus

    Jody, she and I were sitting in our kitchen jotting down the words to the Stone's "Satisfaction" while you guys were working out the chords in the basement. She said, "Paul, did he just say girlie action"?!

  • 09/03/2024

    John and Judy (Ralston) Irvin

    I had no idea your Mom was still living , since my parents, Wray and Irene, who were such good friends of your Mom and Dad, have been gone for so long. What a blessing to have had her for so many years. Our condolences to the family.

  • 09/03/2024

    Jody and Cora D'Anniballe

    To the entire Bonitatibus family, Please accept out heart felt sympathy. Haven't seen Mrs.Bonitatibus in many years but, will always remember her jovial personality. Paul........I also will cherish the fond memories of your Mom, when we use to practice, with The Futuras, at your house on Oregon avenue. Remember, she would help us getting the lyrics for some of the songs we learned. RIP and God Bless "Mrs.B".

  • 09/03/2024

    Nikki & Birdie Pinciaro's children and families

    To all of you, our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with you, as we all have many great memories of your beloved mother.

  • 09/03/2024

    Mike Berarducci

    Deepest sympathies on Helen's passing to family and friends especially Paul. Wow such a good friend of my mother Nina, and father Francis, and I remember so well the parties on Oregon Ave. Special like her husband Nick. Thanks Helen for the Memories.

  • 09/03/2024

    Stan and Peggy Harasick

    Marty and Elaine, we are very sorry for your loss. We remember your mom from when we visited you guys. You all are in our thoughts and prayers God bless.

  • 09/03/2024

    John Barilla

    My condolences to Helen's family. Bless her soul she was such a loving person that the world will miss.

  • 09/03/2024

    Ed Pagnanelli

    Mrs. Bonitatibus kept her watchful eye on St. Anthony. I remember her well from my days at school there, at Catholic Central and at Notre Dame with Paul. She was a great little lady, but wielded a big stick. 100+ years and a great legacy...and she has the offspring to prove it. My sympathy to all of you. She will be in my prayers.

  • 09/03/2024

    judith Burns Gaynor

    Sorry for your great loss.What a wonderful person that brought joy to many friends and loved ones You will be in my prayers. With sincerest sympathies,J.Gaynor

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