Sammie J. Bonanno

Sammie J. Bonanno, 89, of Worcester a long time restaurant owner died peacefully Wednesday August 4, 2010 in the UMASS Medical Center surrounded by his loving family His wife Lillian (Giroux) Bonanno died in 1991. Sammie is survived by a brother Albert Bisceglia and his wife Georgette of Hyannis, two sisters Yolanda Dagnello of Shrewsbury and Gloria Doerr of Grafton,two step daughters, Doris Collette and Jacquelyn Paquette. several grandchildren, among them Sharon Davolio, Richard Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, Pamela Puchala, and Randall Lawrence. Ten great grandchildren,four great great grandchildren, many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by six brothers; Matthew, Anthony, Michael, James, Pasquale "Pat" and Dr. Louis "Louie" Bisceglia. And four sisters; Mary "Minnie" Pasquale, Marion Campanale, Antoinette Morgo, and Dorothy Downer. Sammie was born in Worcester son of the late Joseph Bonanno and Angelina (Abbruzzese) Bonanno and lived in Worcester all his life. Sammie was an Army veteran of WW11 serving in the 111th Field Artillery in the European Theatre, and participated in the second wave of the invasion of Omaha Beach and the historic battle at St. Lo France,and also in Rhineland at the Battle of the Bulge.Among his commendations was a Campaign Theatre Ribbon with a Bronze Arrowhead, Sammie started his career in the Restaurant business working with his parents at the Wonder Bar on Shrewsbury St. Upon returning from the service he founded the Wigwam Restaurant on Lake Ave which he operated for many years and eventually moved the restaurant to Canterbury St. where he worked well into his eighties. Sammie attended Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church and also St. Peters Church. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and several veterans organizations. Sammie loved to work and enjoyed being with his customers at the restaurant. But his most precious times were those spent with his family especially the grandkids. He will be missed dearly by his family and many friends. Sammie's funeral will be held Monday August 9, 2010 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial in Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel-St Ann Church 24 Mulberry St. at 11 AM. Calling hours in the funeral home are from 3 PM to 6 PM on Sunday. Interment will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at (www.themmrf.org)