Mario C. Bonassin

Mario Christopher Bonassin, 68, Rockford, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2013, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 9, 1944, in Pola, Yugoslavia, the son of Andrea and Maria Bonassin, and came to the United States in 1951 with his family. Mario married Kohleen Hixson in Rockford on March 27, 1965. He was a craftsman, and after a few different careers, he found his niche working as a ceramic tile, terrazzo, and marble setter and was a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local 6. Mario was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, and Lake Kegonsa was like his second home. Mario loved working with children. He was a little league baseball coach for Kenrock Community Center in the 1970's before his own children were old enough to play. Mario was involved with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corp. from Rockford, from 1975 to 1985. During that time he held many volunteer positions, including Director of the Phantom Regiment Cadets from 1980 to 1982. Mario always held a special place in his heart for the children and young adults whose lives he touched. But most of all, Mario was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Survived by his wife of 48 years, Kohleen, his daughter, Angie (Todd) Grinnell of Roscoe and his son, Mario Nickolas Bonassin of Los Angeles, California; his granddaughter, Heather Grinnell and his grandson, Ryan Grinnell; his sister, Lucia (Jerry) Balzan of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Theresa (Bob) Bever of Machesney Park; along with several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; his brother, Andrew Crestoforo Bonassin; his sister Mary (Paul) Stanley, who died September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York; his daughter, Laurie Katrina; and his grandson, Nickolas Todd Grinnell. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, August 27, 2013, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av. with Deacon Ron Magee officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday at the funeral home and from noon until time of service on Tuesday. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com