Remembering Joe Bonamico
Colleagues and the community are remembering Joe Bonamico for brightening lives whether on the stage with Trumpet in the Land or behind the scenes with a quick smile and a generous spirit.
Bonamico passed away Saturday after a brief illness at the age of 68. He was the director at Trumpet in the Land and had performed as Simon Girty in the signature production for 37 years. Bart Herman, the staff choreographer, performed alongside Bonamico for years, including the last 15 as David Zeisberger.
“Joe Bonamico is Trumpet in the Land. He has given his life, his professionalism, his drive, his talents to Trumpet in the Land, which has helped shaped the lives of actors from all over the United States and even some from out of the country that have worked here.”
Herman described Bonamico’s dedication to the theater and the history behind it.
“He was inducted and made a Girty by their family, which was a high honor for him…He took all that knowledge and everything he had and really helped shape the performers and the show.
“Another thing that people didn’t know about Joe: he would give anybody anything. He was always ready to help if they needed anything – money, food. He was a great humanitarian.”
Many comments on the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home condolences page noted Bonamico’s smile.
“He had a great smile,” Herman said. “He was always funny. He was a big jokester. He loved to tell jokes…He loved poker. We would have a poker night. There was a whole group of Trumpet performers. There were several years where we would all get together and play poker and his house and just laugh.”
Herman says it is too soon to talk about what Trumpet in the Land will look like without Bonamico.
“I’m a firm believer that the show goes on, and he was the same way. He would want it to continue. In his honor, I would like it to continue and I know there are several of us who will do whatever we can to make sure that it does.”
A service for Bonamico is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, where donations can be made in his memory. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison.
Obituary provided by R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home
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 44621 and Trumpet in the Land, P. O. Box 450, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.