Kenneth “Ken”
Eugene Bonanno
died Monday, August 1, 2016, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The son of the late
E. Ruth Hatcher of Floyd, and Antonio C Bonanno, Ken was a graduate of Virginia
Commonwealth University. He went on to obtain a gemological diploma from the
Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and was a Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA). He had been a partner with his mother at Bonanno’s Antiques in
Fredericksburg for almost 40 years.
From
the time he was a young child, he spent many summers in Floyd with his
grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He considered Floyd and Meadows of Dan
his summer home-away-from-home, where he is remembered by all as the kid who
knew no fear when it came to animals, snakes and assorted other creatures of
nature! Most vivid in the memories of most of his aunts and uncles was the
afternoon he disappeared at about age 3 while visiting at the home of one of
his uncles, only to be found kneeling alongside his newest friend, a nice “big
bull” out in one of their fields! When Ken was finally found, both he and the
bull seemed content with one another, but none of the family was “content”
until Ken had been “gingerly removed” him from the bull’s side. Ken was never
able to understand why everyone was making such a commotion upon finding him!
Ken went on to become a highly
respected gemologist with an extensive knowledge of rare gems and jewelry. In
addition to “gemology” he was also interested in other areas of science,
including astro-physics. He was also a passionate collector of fine watches and
classic cars that he enjoyed restoring. He loved skeet shooting and was a
former president of the Fredericksburg Rod & Gun Club as well. Those who
knew him well knew he also loved jazz and was an excellent saxophone player.
Ken was a loving brother with a keen
mind, kind heart, gentle nature, and intense curiosity about the world around
him. He loved animals of every kind. He was devoted to our mother and cared for
her lovingly for the many years she was confined to a nursing home.
Survivors include his siblings,
Anthony J Bonanno of Santa Fe, NM; Antoinette Bonanno Matlins of Woodstock, VT;
Beth Rosine Bonanno Honeycutt of Floyd, VA; Karen Bonanno DeHaas of Land
O’Lakes, FL; Kathryn Bonanno Patrizzi of New York City and Flumet, France; and
a niece and 4 nephews who adored him.
A
brief memorial and burial service will take place at Topeco Church of the
Brethren, on October 8th at 11:00 am.
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