Gelindo "Boots" Bonfardine

Gelindo “Boots” Bonfardine, 89, of 148 Louis Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Boots was born July 10, 1934 in Caledonia to the late John and Amelia Dezanet Bonfardine.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Weedville High School, Class of 1951.  He continued his studies at Penn State University, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Business Education and a minor in Accounting.  He retired from Airco Speer and Metco.

On October 31, 1959 in the Sacred Heart Church, Boots married the late Margaret A. Dornisch, who preceded him in death on May 2, 2013.

He is survived by six daughters: Ann Kralik (Ed) of Malvern, PA, Molly Bonfardine of St. Marys, Lucy Mosebarger (Bill) of St. Marys, Phoebe Menard (Rick) of Danville, Gretchen Bonfardine of St. Marys, and Chloe Sweeney (Jay) of Charlotte, NC; his son, Michael Bonfardine (Rita) of Weedville; and twelve grandchildren: James Bradley (Beth), Benjamin Bradley (Steve), Luke Bradley, John Mosebarger, Tim Mosebarger, Angela Mosebarger, Logan Bonfardine, Jenna Bonfardine, Leah Bonfardine, Maggie Bonomo, Gina Bonomo, and Katie Bonomo.

In addition to his loving wife and parents, Boots was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Bradley; his sister, Edith Paxton; his brother, Hugo John Bonfardine and a brother in infancy.  He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Boots was committed to his family, faith, and community.  He was a founding member of the Mt. Laurel Credit Union where he served as a Board Member.  He was a member of the Singing Dutchmen and the Sacred Heart Choir and was a former board member for the St. Marys Public Library.  Boots was proud of his country and his service in the United States Army.  He continued his commitment to his country and his region as a member of the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 9:30AM with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, celebrating.  Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Marys Public Library, 127 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail, 168 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; or to Penn Highlands Adult Day Services, 625 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.