Robert “Bob” Bono, 77, of Staunton, died on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with his wife by his side following a hard-fought battle against Parkinson’s Disease.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton. A memorial mass will be held immediately following the visitation with the Rev. Thomas Hagstrom officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton. The Staunton Military Honor Guard will conduct graveside military rites.
Mr. Bono was born June 24, 1946 in Litchfield, the son of the late Victor and Ruth (Smith) Bono. He married Laurel Schuette on Nov. 17, 1979 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton, and she survives.
After high school, Mr. Bono worked at International Paper in Litchfield. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969 on the USS Grand Canyon and was a member of the VFW. He was employed by Freesen, Inc. as a heavy equipment operator for many years. In addition, he owned Bob’s Used Machinery and ran the family farm.
Mr. Bono loved working on machinery projects and found enjoyment attending farm auctions where he could talk “odds and ends” with friends and customers. He was especially fond of giving his grandchildren rides in his golf cart and enjoyed camping, gardening and FFA events.
Mr. Bono was a devoted son, husband and father.
He is survived by his wife Laurel; three children, Leslie (Mike) Grabruck of Bloomington, Nathan (Vicki) Bono of Staunton and Jenna Bono of Staunton; five grandchildren, Lily, Anna and Hollie Grabruck and Hazel and Violet Bono; one sister, Nancy (Charley) Thornton of Wildwood, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Otto & Virginia Schuette.
Memorials are suggested to either Zion Lutheran School, St. Michael Catholic Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be left at www.williamsonfh.com.
