Pauline Elizabeth Bonvechio

Pauline Elizabeth Bonvechio, age 96, a longtime resident of Wainwright, died peacefully late Saturday evening, August 31, 2013, in the care of Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia.

Born at New Philadelphia, November 19, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Marion and Florence Yosick Sopinski.

A 1934 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Pauline went on to marry Alexander Carl “Ping” Bonvechio, Jr. whom she wed December 27, 1941. They observed fifty-four years of marriage before his death on February 11, 1996.

Pauline was a familiar face to many valley residents who enjoyed fine dining and celebrating special occasions at the former Bonvechio’s Restaurant at Wainwright. Founded by her father-in-law in 1938, Pauline and Ping operated the restaurant from 1945 until 1985. For decades she worked as a book keeper, a server, hostess, and was active in all facets of the business. Many who hold fond memories there can trace their experience to her warm and inviting personality.

Pauline was a longtime, active member of St. Therese Catholic Church at Wainwright where she served on the Altar Society before its closure. Then she became a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she served the church by making baby blankets for Birth Right of Tuscarawas County.

Survivors include her two sons, Alexander Carl “Sandy” (wife, Peg) Bonvechio, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and David (wife, Diane) Bonvechio of Dover.

She will be sadly missed by her six grandchildren; Jennifer L. Bonvechio-Kane (husband John) of Larkspur, CA, Brian A. (wife Margaret)Bonvechio of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, Douglas A. (wife, Lydia) Bonvechio, of Glenview, IL, and Jeffrey D. Bonvechio of Washington, D.C., Scott E. (wife, April) Bonvechio of Dover and Katherine L. Bonvechio, also of Washington, D. C.

Nine great-grandchildren; Jackson & Jordan Kane, Grace, Allesandro & John Bonvechio, Andrew Bonvechio, and Alaina, Alexander and Anna Bonvechio also survive.

Three sisters; Dorothy Havnen of Sunnyvale, CA, Lillian (husband, Jim) Johannasen of Rosedale, CA, and Alice Bonvechio of San Jose, CA, and two-sisters-in-law, Gloria Keister of Noti, OR and Grace Alexander of Wainwright, O.. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews complete the family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Bonvechio was preceded in death by her daughter, Sue Ellen Bonvechio in October, 2002.

A service celebrating Pauline’s life will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Saturday, September 7, 2013 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Father Jeff Coning officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the funeral home’s chapel.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center following the committal service where a meal will be shared.

The Bonvechio family requests that memorial contributions be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW New Philadelphia OH 44663.

Friends of Pauline are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting her permanent memorial on the funeral home’s website: www.geibcares.com