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Andrew Bonaventura Obituary
ANDREW SALVATORE BONAVENTURA
February 13, 1941 ~ May 23, 2014
"Andy was a true ray of sunshine to all that knew him, he had the ability to really light up a room, and would strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered."
Andrew Salvatore Bonaventura of Vancouver, WA, passed away May 23, 2014. Andy was born in Sicily Italy, to Joseph and Antonina Bonaventura. In 1948, the Bonaventura's immigrated to Boston, MA. Andy attended Medford High and went on to pursue his passion for education at Suffolk University, where he earned his MS and BA in Mathematics.
Andy was a math teacher at and an assistant principal at Don Bosco Tech in Boston, MA. He then went on to teach math at Gloucester High. His students always called him "Mr. B.".
Upon moving to the NW, Andy was a substitute teacher at, Evergreen, Vancouver, and Battle Ground school districts.
In his spare time, Andy was the President of his HOA and Vice President of the Sons of Italy.
Andy leaves behind his wife, Vicki; step-son, Chad and Jeremy Nelson; step-daughters, Kimberley Ybarro, Ali Della Russo and Remy Nuzzo; his sister, Joanne Ursino; and brother, Vinnie Bonaventura, who still reside in Massachusetts.
He was preceded in death by wife, Patricia Bonaventua, mother of Kimberley, Ali and Remy.
Celebration of his life will take place Thurs., June 5, 2014 at 4:30 p.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal, located at 426 E. 4th Plain Blvd. and "F" Street.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the educational institute of your choice.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Bonaventura
John Sullivan
May 25, 2019
He was a shining light in a school that was heading into darkness, a great vice-principal. Andy has gone ahead, and the school does not now exist. His reward for what he has done, he is experiencing from our creator great blessings and eternal rest. One cannot say more! Thank You!
Tom Mortillaro
May 21, 2016
So sorry to hear of this he was a great teacher and gentleman
Shirley Howard
June 6, 2014
I just smile when I think of Andy. He was so nice and would share his smile and brighten up the room. So fun to have him pop in to say hi when substituting at PHS in another room. Those who even shared a moment of time with him were blessed.
June 5, 2014
Andrew was my substitute. He would stop by and say "Hi" to me often. He was always upbeat with everyone, teachers and students alike. Many of my students boned with him during the short time they knew him. The world has lost a wonderful guy but heaven has gained a glorious soul.
Mary Jo Lund
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Patricia Forlizzi
June 4, 2014
Dear Jimmy and Joanne So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I remember us all as kids down the North End. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty (Summa) Forlizzi
June 4, 2014
Dear Joann and Jimmy,
So sorry to hear about Andy, even though we haven't seen him in many years, I still remember his warm personality and ready smile.
Sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and your families.
Fred and Rita (Barresi) LaRossa
June 4, 2014
Dearest Vinny and Joanne, Please accept my most sincere and deepest condolence for your loss. It seems like only last week that the family was gathering to celebrate a holiday under Nina's careful supervision. We had many wonderful days on Willared Ave, and I am sure you have so much treasured in your hearts. Though much time has passed, I remember you and yours fondly ond often. My love to you. May God give you peace in the memories and love you all shared.
In friendship and with love,
Diane Gulino Abramson
Jaime Case
June 4, 2014
Thank God for the life of Mr. Bonaventura, and the impact he has had on so many of our kids.
Anthony D'Antonio
June 4, 2014
JoAnne and Vinny...my condolences on the passing of your brother Andy.I remember his smile and friendliness.God Bless!
The Igoe Family
June 3, 2014
A good man, a great teacher and -no surprise- a prime number!
Maria Driscoll & Family
June 2, 2014
Prayers to a wonderful, kind and loving man. Although I haven't seen my uncle in years, memories of holidays together and his warm, loving smile give me comfort.
June 2, 2014
Dear Joann, Jimmy and Family,
My deepest sympathy and condolences for the passing of your beloved brother, Andy.
He was a wonderful and loving person.
He will always be in my prayers.
Ninfa Difazio
Lisa Bray
June 1, 2014
To The Family of Andrew S. Bonaventura,
Our very best, warmest, sincerest and deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of your loved one, Andrew. Please know that you all will be kept in our daily thoughts and prayers. May our LORD Bless and comfort you all during this very difficult time of
loss and sorrow.
Sincerely yours,
John, Lisa & John Bray
Paul Mondello
June 1, 2014
Sincere condolences to an old high school and College buddy "BACH" who made his own way up.
As solid as Andy was physically, he was ten time stronger intellectually. A great achiever.
June 1, 2014
My Mother and I ares saddened and shocked ny Andy's passing. I'm sure he's with your Mom & Dad. May God's love give you Peace. Nina & Wanda Ferrante
Lawrence Bastianelli
June 1, 2014
Prayers for one of the best
John Sullivan, SDBcc
June 1, 2014
Andy, Blessings on you and your family. Miss the days when you were at the Tech as assistant Principal. You were very easy to work with. Hope you are at our reunion in spirit. We will remember you at that time. God Bless! John C. "Jack" Sullivan, Electronics Dept, and wife Anne.
Anthony Galise
June 1, 2014
Even though we have not seen each other for nearly 40 years and had lost complete touch, news of his passing was a shock to us. My wife and I always remember Andy as an easy going guy with a constant smile and a willingness to help. He was so easy to like. Our condolences to all his family members.
Jill Loveridge
May 31, 2014
I am so sad to hear of Andy's passing. He was #1 on my sub list b/c both I and and my students absolutely LOVED him. He had a strong presence yet he was gentle and he had a great sense of humor. I feel blessed to have known him. My condolences to his family.
Joanne Ursino
May 31, 2014
Andy was the best brother anyone could wish for. He was my strength. His passing was a shock to all of us and he will be deeply missed. I love you my brother, you will always be in my heart.
Paul Quin
May 31, 2014
A great man and a fabulous teacher! he was the real deal. RIP, Mr. B.
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