Mario S. Bonura

MARIO SALVINO BONURA, passed away peacefully at his home in Seal Beach, California on July 4, 2020, at the age of 90.

Mario was born in Los Angeles, California to Francesco Bonura (Sicily) and Josephine Baiano Bonura (Italy) on September 14, 1929.  Mario graduated from Loyola High School in 1947, was in the ROTC, and graduated from Loyola University in 1952 earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mario worked as an Engineer for over 53 years, working for Douglas Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas (Astronautics and Space Systems), Bechtel Power, and Boeing.  Mario received several recognitions and awards for his technical findings, knowledge, and writing of advanced technical literature and was involved with many space programs including Apollo and the International Space Station.

Mario enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and his dog(s).  He enjoyed vacationing, travel, nature, backpacking, fishing, barbecuing, tinkering, puzzles, fireworks, military planes, civil war history, creating topographical maps, reading the newspaper daily, surfing the internet, and writing strongly worded letters on topics that heated him up, with many of his letters being published in the newspaper.  Mario and his wife Joyce were active with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and involved with several charities. 

Mario is survived by 3 children: Christopher, Victoria, and Maria (Joe); 3 grandsons: Clayton, Jacob, and Adam; and 1 cousin Yolonda.  Mario is also survived by his brother-in-law James, sister-in-law Patricia, and nieces Kimberly and Susan (Don) of his wife’s family; and his nephew Charles of his brother’s family.

Mario is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Joyce Wheeler Bonura.  Also preceded by Francesco (father), Josephine (mother), Aldo (brother), Vana Earle (sister-in-law), Salvino Baiano (Uncle), Charlotte Pierce Baiano (Aunt), and Michael Baiano (cousin).

Mario had always been a gentle man, his infectious smile, upbeat attitude, and quick wit will be missed by all.

Funeral mass held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Costa Mesa on August 6th with graveside service and interment following at the Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach.

In lieu of flowers, a memory tree may be planted or a donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or the American Cancer Society. 

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