Sandy resident, Carl Bonafede died at his home on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. He was 74.
Carl Louis Bonafede was born on July 15, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York to Salvatore and Jean (Scarpinito) Bonafede. Carl began his elementary education in Connecticut and at the age of 16, the family moved to Long Island, New York. Shortly after graduating from high school, Carl pursued his education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where he met his future wife, Mary Jo. They were united in marriage on July 19, 1964. The day of Carl’s passing was their 53rd wedding anniversary. After Carl and Mary Jo were married, they moved to Columbia, South Carolina where he began his career.
Carl worked in the textile industry, making a variety of products, bras, girdles, tents, women’s housecoats and comforters. He started his career as an engineer and worked his way up to Plant Manager. He later owned and operated with partners, Creative Window Fashions making curtains and draperies. In 1991, Carl suffered from a stroke which ended his career.
Carl and Mary Jo had a rather nomadic life, moving 16 times over 53 years. They lived everywhere from A, Assonet, Massachusetts to Z, Zion, Illinois and many places in between. They spent time on the East Coast, Midwest and the West Coast. In 2009, they moved to Oregon to be near their grandchildren. Carl was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Boston Celtics. He was an avid golfer when they lived in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Throughout his year- long battle with pancreatic cancer, he always maintained a positive attitude, his sense of humor and had a smile for everyone.
Surviving is his wife Mary Jo; his children, Carl Bonafede Jr. of Succasunna, New Jersey, Kevin Bonafede of Waterbury, Connecticut and Susan Tognetti and husband Vincent of Sandy. 2 grandchildren, Lucia and Andrew Tognetti and his sister, Linda Jean Ammirati of Winchester, Virginia.
The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Mt. Hood Hospice – P.O. Box 1269 Sandy, Oregon 97055.