WAYCROSS — Jerry A Bonacci, 89, of Waycross died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of January 31, 2025, at Satilla Bluffs Senior Care.

He was born April 3, 1935 in Swissvale, Pa., a son of the late John and Susan Carsale Bonacci. After graduating from Swissvale High School, Bonacci attended and graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. His career started at Westinghouse Air Brake Corporation, then he moved into sales at General Dynamics and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. In 1979, he was recruited by Fleetwood Homes of Georgia.

Bonacci and his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Cain Bonacci, moved to Waycross. After five years with Fleetwood Homes, he accepted a position with Guerdon Industries for a little over a year, and then returned to Fleetwood Homes out of Florida. The last 10 years of his career he spent as Plant Sales Manager with Clayton Homes.

Retirement was when he and Marilyn began to really enjoy the last 25 years of their lives. They golfed and enjoyed their friendships with numerous people at the Okefenokee Golf and Country Club, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and others around Waycross. Bonacci’s involvement with Kiwanis International and the Knights of Columbus was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to his commitment to service and his community.

He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a loyal supporter of Notre Dame. Bonacci especially loved his neighbors and neighborhood. He and Marilyn made so many wonderful memories with their family on Woods Road. He spent many hours walking his beloved poodle, Coco, around the neighborhood checking in on neighbors and assisting where he could.

Above all, Bonacci was a family man who deeply loved his wife, Marilyn, and their shared adventures. For anyone lucky enough to know him, one thing was certain: life was never dull with him around. Whether he was cracking a joke, sharing a witty comeback, or just putting a positive spin on anything life threw his way, Bonacci had a way of making people smile. He also had a zest for food, as he often stated, “I never attended a buffet I didn’t like!”

Bonacci leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and a zest for life that was contagious. As we say goodbye to him, we take comfort knowing that wherever he is now, he's probably telling a joke that has everyone in stitches.

Bonacci was preceded in death by his parents, John and Susan Bonacci, his wife, Marilyn; his siblings, Michael Bonacci and Jeanette Bonacci Simone; brother-in-law Albert Simone; and nephew, Albert M. Simone.

He is survived by a sister- in-law, Ruth Cain Mariani (Henry, deceased); his nephews and nieces, Robert Simone (Rhonda), Cheryl Simone (Albert-deceased), Tim Mariani, Tony Mariani (Julia), Tina Halter (Mark), and Tricia Hudson (Jason); his Godchildren, Jeannine Valentino and Gregory Persio; 11 great nephews and nieces, and four great-great nephews and nieces also survive.

Bonacci’s family would like to thank Satilla Bluffs Senior Care and Hearth Hospice for its exceptional care and compassion and Baptist Village for its dedicated work during hi s rehabilitation. The family also would like to thank the St. Joseph Catholic Church community, especially Barbara Miller, for consistent check-ins and support, and Dr. Dan and Linda Booker, whose kindness and thoughtfulness were deeply appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Bonacci’s golf buddies, particularly the late John Peacock and Dennis Moore, for the laughs, memories and good times shared on the course. To the best neighbors anyone could ask for: Dr. John and Carolynn Malmborg, Sam and Brenda Farr, Chris and Brenda Rolison and the other neighbors throughout the years, you have been more than just neighbors — you have been true friends.

Your care, assistance, and the love you showed to Jerry and Marilyn over the years meant the world to them. We also would like to express our deep gratitude to Patricia Durrance, a dear friend who has been a constant source of support for the Bonaccis.

Each of you played an essential role in making their life brighter, and your love and support — especially when we were far away — provided the family with great comfort and peace of mind. Thank you for being a blessing to the Bonaccis, and for all the love, friendship, and kindness you've shared over the past 40-plus years.

A Mass of Resurrection to celebrate Bonacci’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A rosary service will be held at 10 a.m. prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 2011 Darling Avenue, Waycross, 31501. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at ww.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.