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HomeCommunityDeathsLeonard W. Bonelli Sr. Dies at 96

Leonard W. Bonelli Sr. Dies at 96

Leonard W. Bonelli Sr.

The family of Leonard W. Bonelli Sr. regrets to inform you of his transition to be with the Almighty Father on Dec. 11. “Brother B,” as he was known to many, was born on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Sept. 30, 1926.

He had a love for life and service to others. He was a member of All Saints Cathedral Church for over 75 years and held several roles in the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee for over 40 years.  He was also active in the Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Boy Scouts, Tau Club and the VI Taxi Commission.

He cherished his work with the Salvation Army, Rotary Club and especially his work with the children of the Virgin Islands.

Brother B was employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands in the Fiscal Office to the Governor under five administrations.  After his retirement from the government, he worked as an accountant at VITELCO until his retirement.

He loved reading, cooking, sports, travel and music, and he especially loved to dance.

Leonard W. Bonelli was married to Olympia Potter Bonelli and is survived by his children: Leonard W. Bonelli Jr. ( Beegs), Lauren Bonelli ( Bunnie), Laurance Bonelli ( Lil Brother) and LaVerne Bonelli (Sherrie).

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Lemian Bonelli, LeRoi Bonelli, Leonard W. Bonelli III, Kimo Bonelli, Kwame Bonelli, Shainee Smith-McCrae, Shanique Bonelli-Moore, Sherene Bonelli, Shemura Bonelli-Nicholson, Shechel Bonelli, Laurance Bonelli II, Terance Bonelli; and several great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include his sister, Leona Bonelli Wheatley; nephews: Randolph and Francisco Bonelli; nieces: Angelyn and Carmen; daughters-in-law: Kim Bonelli and Nona Vanterpool Bonelli; as well as numerous close friends and godchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at All Saints Cathedral Church on Monday, Dec. 19. The viewing will be held from 9-10 a.m. followed by service at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Western Cemetery No. 1.

Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

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