SOUTHBRIDGE: John G. DiBonaventura 81, son of the late Corindo and Elizabeth (DiMatteo) DiBonaventura died peacefully, surrounded by family, in the afternoon of December 31st 2018 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a short illness. He was born on June 26, 1937 in Southbridge and was a life long resident. John graduated from the former Cole Trade High School in Southbridge and worked at the American Optical Co. and General Motors Corp. until retirement. John served in the Massachusetts National Guard Yankee Division based in Southbridge. He was a member of the Wellsworth Pistol Club, winning many awards. John enjoyed working on his vintage Cadillac and playing cards with his friends. John was a long time volunteer for Meals on Wheels and was always a great help to his family and friends. Always the comic and story teller, John brought joy and laughter to everyone he met. John wrote poems for his dear friends and was well versed with the Bible. John loved his nieces and nephews very much. John was predeceased by his loving wife Mary and is survived by his brother Alfred and his wife Annette DiBonaventura of Thompson, Connecticut, niece Jane Duarte and her husband Bob Duarte, their daughter Isabella Duarte of Newburyport, MA., sons Tony, Henry and Joey Duarte of Brentwood, New Hampshire, niece Lisa DiBonaventura-Munoz and her husband Ben Munoz of Newton Massachusetts, their daughter Jessica Munoz, and many very dear friends.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA.
Funeral will be held on Saturday January 5, 2019 beginning at 9:00am at the funeral home, followed by Mass at 10:00am at St. Mary's Church, 247 Hamilton Street, Southbridge, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Blessed John Paul II Parish, 279 Hamilton St. Southbridge, MA 01550 for capital improvements.