Julia Bonasso (born Angelina Concetta Cesario), 95, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by music and loved ones. She was born on March 10, 1931.

She is survived by her children, F. David Bonasso, Barbara "Peppe" Seitz, Mary T. Shields, Ann M. Padula, Michael Bonasso, David J. Lupo, Patrick C. Bonasso, Christine M. Ezzi, Cecelia R. Teal, Russell F. Bonasso II and Julie R. Bonasso. Julia's family also includes her daughters- and sons-in-law, 43 grandchildren, scores of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Russell F. Bonasso; her son Michael A. Lupo; her mother, Rose Iaquinta Sell; and her sister, Lena Donofrio.

Julia was happiest nurturing others. This began when she became a mother at 20 and continued until the week before she died. She knew loss early in life. At 22, she buried her infant son, Nicholas Anthony. At 30, she was widowed when her first husband, Nicholas Lupo, did not survive open-heart surgery. Yet she adapted and kept going. And fell in love again. When she married Russ, she signed up for the adventure of helping to raise 12 children, at a time when blended families were far less common. She had a keen, creative talent for whipping up three amazing meals a day (plus desserts!) for a family of 14, with friends or cousins always at the table. She was highly organized and knew a thing or two about logistics, running the operations of a "super family." She enjoyed traveling to the births of many of her grandchildren to lend a hand, helping with her children's countless moves and taking part in the big and small moments of family life.

Julia was also a silent force in her community, giving back in ways that were small, steady and powerful. She was not one who liked to be the center of attention or receive praise for her good works. For decades, she left big baskets of food on the porches of friends who had cancer. She bought potted plants for the checkout clerks at the grocery store. She made gallons of chicken soup for any child, friend or church member who was seriously ill or simply had a cold. She sent cards and thoughtful gifts to people who needed a boost or had something to celebrate or grieve. Friends and family turned to her as a confidant who listened without judging.

People often remarked on the strength of her quiet faith. She was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church for nearly 50 years. She sang in the choir, including at funeral Masses, and helped prepare the meals that followed. Every Christmas, she helped turn the church kitchen into a little pita piata factory for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. She volunteered at the local hospital for more than 30 years and drove for Meals on Wheels. In her 70s and 80s, she sang with the Songbirds, performing for the "older" people at nursing homes and assisted living centers.

She had a presence that was gracious, sweet, spunky and sassy. Underneath the elegant grandma was a sharp wit that often surprised people. She was a self-proclaimed capa tosta who never hesitated to speak her mind. That spirit went with her when she left Fairmont, her home of nearly nine decades, where she was deeply missed by her church community, family and friends. She thrived during her time in Wisconsin by doing what she had always done: praying, singing, dancing, cooking, baking, nurturing and building community.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 4, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, also in Fairmont, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local food bank, Meals on Wheels or your favorite charity.