Richard Andrew Bonelli, II

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Rick Bonelli, age 64, announce his passing. He went peacefully to be with his Lord with his wife by his side on August 9, 2017.   He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Donna Lucas Bonelli, three children, Melissa (Jeff) Carstarphen, Dana (Chris) Johnson, Peter Bonelli and three grandchildren Reid and Charlotte Johnson and Grant Carstarphen. He is also survived by his parents Mary and Dick Bonelli, brothers Mike, Joe, Steve and Tom, three sisters Betty Hoffler, Marie Schwindt and Theresa Colon as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

As a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Rick went on to become the Director of Real Estate for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Norfolk, Virginia before retiring to Amelia County.  This career allowed him and his family to have many great adventures, especially living in Italy and exploring other countries in Europe.  He loved visiting new places, trying to fit into different cultures and sampling all kinds of different food.  He liked to say that he "ate his way across Europe".

 As someone said recently, if you ever met Rick Bonelli, you'd never forget him.  He had a way of drawing people to him and accepting them just as they are.  He loved to joke around and talk, especially about sports.  He was a lifelong New York Giants and Yankees fan.  Whenever he had the chance he'd be fishing, especially fly fishing.  He passed this passion for fishing to his son and sons-in-law as well as several nieces and nephews.  They enjoyed many fun times fishing together and telling tall tales about the one that got away. Rick also loved being outdoors and observing nature while hiking.  He inherited his love of flowers from his Grandmother Walker and his Aunts Ann Ashman and Joyce Hastings. 

 Rick was a great dad who loved to play with his children and instilled in them how to have fun and not take themselves too seriously.  Whatever their interests were in life, he was their number one fan and supporter.  They in turn adored him and will miss him terribly.

 He met his wife, Donna, in the fifth grade.  They became a couple in their junior year of high school and were married in college.  She was the love of his life and theirs was a match made in heaven.  They were happy and in love for 44 years.

 Rick was a friend to many.  He was a good man who loved his wife, children and extended family.  He was honest and kind and always chose to be positive and optimistic.  He was an inspiration to many as he fought a fifteen-year battle with multiple myeloma with courage and optimism.  His beautiful smile will be remembered and he will always live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 There will be a Celebration of Life service to honor Rick on Sunday, August 20 at 2:00 pm at Arbor Baptist Church located at 13701 Butlers Road, Amelia VA 23002.  The family will receive friends at the church following the service. 

 Rather than sending flowers, please consider a donation to the Thomas Palliative Care Unit at VCU Medical Center where Rick was so lovingly cared for during the last months of his illness or to Arbor Baptist Church.  Donations may be sent to www.support.vcu.edu/give/Massey or mailed to Thomas Palliative Care Unit, 1300 E Marshall Street, North Hospital 4th floor, Richmond VA  23298 or sent to Arbor Baptist Church at the church address in Rick's memory.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Andrew Bonelli, II, please visit our floral store.