Nunzio Bonefede

Nunzio “Newt” Bonefede, 96, of Perry, passed away on Thursday December 25, 2025 at Wyoming County Community Hospital.
He was born in Perry, New York to Margaret (Liberti) and Gasper Bonefede. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 56 years Lois, his brother Anthony and son, Nunzio.
He has resided in Perry his entire life and owned the Silver Grill for many years. He then owned and operated Tucker’s Boat Livery with his wife until their retirement in 1980. He loved to fish, hunt, and winter in Florida. OTB in Batavia was a favorite haunt as for many years he owned race horses. In his later years he traveled -Hawaii, California and other Western States. But the best was spending his 80th birthday in Italy where he visited Cerda the town where his parents were born.
Newt had a bucket list and one item was to obtain his high school diploma. And—it couldn’t be a GED! He made contact with Amy Ellis, Perry Central’s guidance counselor. She researched the requirements he would have needed and found he had enough credits for his diploma. He received his diploma during the graduation ceremony in June 2022 and loved saying that at 92 he was able to walk across the stage.
He is survived by his daughter: Patricia (Donald) Johnson of Scotia, NY, 3 grandchildren: Stacy (Joseph) Rossi, Gregory (Jessie) Johnson and Michael (Bobbie Jo) Bonefede, 8 great grandchildren; a very special niece: Leslie (Hans) Kunze -he always said without her help and care he couldn’t have stayed in his home all these years, niece: Shelly White, nephew: Seth Tucker and several cousins including James Liberti of Perry with whom he shared a special bond.
Family and friends may call from 4-7pm on Monday December 29th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home 98 North Main St. in Perry.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 30th at 10am at the funeral home.
Newt will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Perry.
Memorial contributions may be made to Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530 or to Perry Community Clothes Closet and Pantry P.O. Box 222 Perry, NY 14530.