Joseph Bonamico, III, 68, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio, after a brief illness. Born February 18, 1956 in Dennison, Ohio, he was the son of the late Joseph Bonamico, Jr. and Mary Jo (Ross) Bonamico-Brown.
After his graduation from Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School in 1974, Joe earned his Associate Degree from Kent State Tuscarawas, then continued his education at Wright State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in performance. Locally, he will be remembered most for his 37 years in the role of Simon Girty in productions of Trumpet in the Land and The White Savage (as well as playing Dracula each fall), continuing through this summer’s season. In addition to his 42 years with Trumpet in the Land, Joe’s professional work included movies, television, print work and commercials, and numerous stage productions throughout Ohio and in Chicago. He was a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Writers’ Guild of America, and SAG-AFTRA.
A Tuscarawas County resident for most of his life, Joe was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church. He was also a member of the Dennison Knights of Columbus and the American Italian Club. He enjoyed golfing and playing poker whenever he could find the time, as well as spending time with family and friends. An avid reader, Joe especially enjoyed anything related to the history of the Revolutionary War. Joe’s outgoing nature and ready smile welcomed many strangers into his friendship over the years, and his enthusiasm for his art will not be forgotten by the many young actors he mentored throughout his career.
Joe will be deeply mourned by his surviving family which includes his sisters, Roseann Bonamico and Margaret Bonamico; his brother (from another mother), Duane Hutson; aunts and uncle, Vicki Dominick, Ronnie and Donna Ross, Sister Wilma Ross, and Shirley Bonamico; nieces and nephew, Valarie, Gina, Andrea, and Roger; great-nieces and great-nephew, Maggie, Victoria, Giavonna, Zoe, Elaina and Dominick; a large extended family, including numerous cousins and stepfamily; and countless friends and colleagues, including the cast and crew from Trumpet in the Land. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Rollie B. Brown, Jr.
Father Jeff Coning and Father Anthony Lonzo will concelebrate the funeral Mass on Friday, September 27, at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. Family and friends are invited to call at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions honoring Joe’s memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd St. N.E., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 and Trumpet in the Land, P. O. Box 450, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
740.922.1970
www.lindseyfh.com
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