Obituary of Father Bernardo (John) Bonowitz

Father Bernardo (John) Bonowitz, age 75, of the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, died Sunday, January 19, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Irene Grace Bonowitz.

He is survived by his sister, Rochelle (Howard Friedman) Brown-Friedman of FL, cousins, Andrea DePalma of New York City, Jay (Jeane) Benet of FL, niece, Erica Spritz and her children, Ethan Morand and Lennox Spritz, nephew, Adam (Jessica) Brown and their children, Hudson and Harper, his fellow brothers at the Abbey of the Genesee.

Father Bernardo was born April 30, 1949 in the Bronx, NY the son of Robert and Irene Grace Brown Bonowitz. Father Bernardo first took his vows at St. Joseph Abbey in Spencer, MA. He then served as superior for the Abbey of the Genesee's daughterhouse, Novo Mundo in Brazil for 24 years. Father Bernardo has served at the Abbey of the Genesee for the last 5 years.

A ceremony for the reception of Father Bernardo's body will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 5 PM at the Abbey of the Genesee, where his Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM. Burial will be in the Abbey of the Genesee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abbey of the Genesee, 3258 River Rd., Piffard, NY 14533.