Lucy Leo Bono

Our dear mother Lucy Marie Bono sadly passed away on Saturday March 8, 2025, at the age of 90. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance.

Born in New Jersey and raised on a farm to Italian parents, she later moved with them to Flushing in Queens, New York. She literally met and married the boy next door who was visiting his parents while he was serving in the Air Force.

After marrying they moved to Hauppauge, New York and started a family. They uprooted the family in 1967 to seek a new adventure and life in then sleepy Coral Springs, Florida. Lucy became a pillar of the community, being the first woman to run the contract post office. She then worked as the secretary for the mayor of Coral Springs, again creating a positive impression through her affable and genial nature.

This was a constant theme throughout her life as she always strived and succeeded in making wherever she was, feel like home. This was never more evident than at our actual home with many a delicious home cooked meal. Her specialty, of course, was Southern Italian cuisine which was enjoyed by our small family and extended family and friends. In addition to being a legendary cook, mom was the consummate host.

After working for years as a legal secretary, she and Dad moved away from their beloved Coral Springs for new opportunities in Pinellas County. Mom, who had always been used to working, began work in her early 20s at Idlewild Airport, now known as John F Kennedy Airport, in the press office. Her final stretch of employment began when our parents moved to Palm Harbor and Mom started working for Mease Manor, a huge retirement facility in Clearwater.

After retiring, Lucy, who had always been civic minded threw herself into activities in the Italian American Club. She also participated in her Catholic Church and led support groups for people dealing with debilitating conditions such as Fibromyalgia, and Diabetes with which she struggled for most of her life.

Mom was phenomenal at keeping connected with relatives on both sides of the family--never missing birthdays and other important occasions. The last and perhaps most incredible thing about our mother was the tremendous effort she put into leaving a living and dynamic legacy for us through her relentless chronicling of our lives. No one took more pictures than mom.

Lucy leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Guy Bono, who died one year and two days before her. She leaves behind daughter Paula and son Mark (Beverly) and nieces and nephews Phyllis, Roseanne, Angela, Phillip, Kathy, Dick, Pat and Cindy as well as the countless friends and people who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, visitation and a reception to remember her will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel on Saturday March 15, 2025, from 2-4:00 PM. We invite all who want to celebrate her life to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman. She will continue to live on in our hearts.