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James Frank Bonillo, 75, of Middlesex, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 13, 2022. James was born August 7, 1946 in Passaic, NJ to parents Gines and Tessie Bonillo. He spent his childhood in Middlesex and graduated from Middlesex High School in 1964. James was introduced to the construction industry right out of high school, as he worked for his father’s construction company, learning his craft at a young age. Soon after, James served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1968. For his service onboard the U.S.S. AMERICA CVA 66 aircraft carrier, James was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal. After James returned from his deployment, he began his career as a heavy equipment operator and would later join the International Union of Operating Engineers.
In 1972 James moved to New Mexico to pursue an abundance of road construction opportunities and resided there until 1979. In those years he worked as a member of Operating Engineers Local 953. During his time in Albuquerque he met Karen, whom he would marry years later. James and Karen were both working at the same construction site, building the famous Route 66. After James moved back to New Jersey, he and Karen never lost touch. Karen later drove across the country to be with him. They got married on May 29, 1982 at Saint Joseph’s Church in Bound Brook, NJ. They had two children together, Rachel and Michael. James worked for Aponte Construction for 30 years alongside his brother Alan, which was an experience he greatly cherished. James was very passionate about his work and took great pride in what he did. James was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 825 here in New Jersey. In recent years, he finished his career with paving contractor, Atlantic Infrastructure doing what he loved. He formed many close relationships with those that he worked with and thought of them as family. James valued spending his time with family, work family and friends. He enjoyed taking his dogs for car rides and landscaping and gardening around his home. He loved attending weekly Mass with Karen. He held memories of hunting and fishing with his brother, son, cousins and uncles very close to his heart. For the past three years, he treasured the time he got to spend watching his three grandson’s on Monday’s alongside Karen. James was a loving husband, father, brother and friend to so many and will be greatly missed.
James is preceded in death by his parents Gines and Tessie Bonillo. James is survived by his devoted wife Karen, his daughter Rachel and husband Daniel Jonte, his son Michael Bonillo and wife Felicia Bonillo, his brother Alan Bonillo and wife Patti Bonillo, grandchildren Jayden Jonte, Dominic and Brando Bonillo, nephew Raymond Bonillo, aunts and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations given to Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, where James was a parishioner. 600 Harris Avenue, Middlesex, NJ 08846.
The family of James wishes to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to Father Louis Mattina, Doctor Bernard Kulper, JFK Hospital, the staff at Care One Somerset Valley and many family and friends for the outpouring of love and support.
Friends may visit the family on Friday, January 21 from 2:00-4:00 and from 7:00-9:00pm at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Avenue in Dunellen. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 22 at 11:00AM at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Catholic Church in Middlesex. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum in Piscataway.
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