Shirley M. Bonamico

Shirley Mae Bonamico, 91, of Dennison, Ohio, passed away at her home with her loving family at her side, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. A Christmas blessing for her family, she was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio on December 25, 1934 to the late Germano “Jerry” and Helen Mae (née Eckert) Besozzi. After her mother’s death when she was a child, Shirley was lovingly raised by her father and stepmother, Wilma (née Boni) Besozzi, who also preceded her in death. A 1952 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Dennison, she was a lifelong area resident and member of Immaculate Conception Church.

On August 21, 1957, Shirley married Carmen Anthony Bonamico with whom she spent 33 years of loving marriage until his passing on December 26, 1990. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, having spent every day caring for them as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker. The heart of her family, Shirley relished the time that she spent with her grandchildren and faithfully attended their extracurricular events. She also lavished her delicious home cooking on friends and family alike. Shirley was a woman of many interests who especially enjoyed outdoor pursuits like fishing and feeding the many hummingbirds who visited her backyard. An avid sports fan, she loved cheering on all of the Cleveland sports teams. She also loved relaxing at home watching an episode of Andy Griffith or Law and Order.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her children, Rosetta D. Melnichenko, Carmen J. Bonamico, Jerry A. Bonamico, and J. Rodney Bonamico; grandchildren, Brianne Terakedis, Mindy (Nick) Meryo, Carmen Thomas (Molly) Bonamico, Elizabeth (Brent) McDannold, Andrea Bonamico, and Madison (Mason) Arnold; great-grandchildren, Lyla, Bailee, Jennings, Addi, Ian, Bella, Loretta, Nell, Carmen Anthony, Lydia, and Morgan; siblings, Jerry L. (Barbara) Besozzi, Michael J. (Janet) Besozzi, and Charlotte T. Leach; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Patrick P. Besozzi, and brother-in-law, Mike Leach.

Father Jeff Coning will celebrate the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, at Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. Interment will follow beside her beloved husband in St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison. Shirley’s family will receive callers beginning at 4:00 p.m. and concluding with a Christian Wake Service at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, August 10, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Traditions Hospice, 238 Front Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 and the Immaculate Conception Altar Society, C/O Immaculate Conception Church, 206 N. 1st St., Dennison, OH 44621.