Joseph Anthony Bonini

Joe was born on March 11, 1942 to Mario and Catherine Bonini. He grew up and attended El Cerrito schools; Harding Elementary, Portola Middle, and El Cerrito High. While attending El Cerrito High, Joe joined a branch of the Boy Scouts called the Sea Scouts in 1956. He was assigned to a scout ship in Berkeley, CA which began a life of service. After graduating from high school, Joe entered the United States Air Force where he served honorably from 1960 to 1964. Joe was trained as an aircraft mechanic and was given the opportunity to train as a missile technician. Following his discharge from the USAF, Joe began a 28 year career with Pacific Bell in October, 1964. He married his first wife, Doris in May of 1967. Joe and Doris were married for 44 years, until her passing in 2011. Joe’s life of service continued after the Air Force when he joined the Pinole Lions Club, followed by the San Pablo Lions Club, and finally the Up Country 88 Lions Club. He was a proud member of Lions Clubs International for over 50 years. He would frequently tell anyone that would listen he did not miss a meeting for 48 years. Joe served the communities in which he lived through Lions Club and volunteered thousands of hours to help citizens who were blind or visually impaired. In 1995, Joe and Doris moved from Pinole to Pioneer, CA where they built great friendships with their community. They and/or he was part of the Loop Group, Up Country 88 Lions Club and the Italian Benevolent Society. Joe became well known for his homemade Italian cookies; Pizzelle. The recipe was handed down from one generation to the next within the family. In May of 2014, Joe married his second wife, Donna. Donna and Joe enjoyed traveling during their marriage and cruised to Alaska, vacationed in Tennessee and traveled to several other destinations during their 6 years of marriage. Donna was by his side through all of his medical issues and was there when Joe passed peacefully on August 3, 2020. Joe was one of three children, preceded in death by an older sister, Barbra and Don, his younger brother. Joe is survived by his twin sons; Stephen (Elaine) and Mark (Cyndi) as well as four grandkids; Brett, Chloe, Sam, and Mario. Joe left a legacy of family first and service. In lieu of flowers and gifs, donations can be made to Hospice of Amador and Calaveras Counties. Graveside services are August 14, 2020, 1pm at St. Joseph Cemetery 2540 Church Ln. San Pablo, CA 94806. Safe gathering protocols will be followed. Light horderves and drinks will be offered following services at a location to be determined. A local (Amador County) celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date/time and location to be determined.