Joseph A. Bonaventura

Joseph A. Bonaventura, Sr., 66, died Thursday evening in Hilliard, Ohio after a long battle with cancer. He was born November 26, 1941 to James (Cesidio) and Lucy Bonaventura of Follansbee, the city he proudly called home throughout his life. He graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in 1959 and served two years in the Army. In 1966 he married Beverly Burlingame of Steubenville at Holy Name Cathedral. After retiring from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel in 2002, he enjoyed spending time camping, hunting and fishing at Blackwater Falls State Park. As a college football fan, his favorite teams were WVU and whoever beat Ohio State. Whether he was cooking wonderful food for special events or sharing his warmth and sense of humor to lighten a heavy heart, Joe never hesitated to share his time or gifts whenever he was needed. He is survived by his wife Beverly; three children, Joseph Jr. (Marti,) Stephanie (Michael) and David; grandsons Joshua, Rory, Caleb, Jeremy and Leah Webber; brothers, James (Mary Lou) and Panfillo (Marie); many cousins, nieces and nephews; and schoolmates, Bernard Ciccollela, Anthony DiMarzio, Louis and Barbara Julio and Vickey Ross. Inurnment graveside service 1:00 PM Friday, October 3, 2008 at West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, WV. A Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 4, 2008 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Follansbee, WV with additional fellowship at The Station Grille in Wellsburg following the Mass.