Bonnie S. Buccolini

Bonnie S. Buccolini, 79, of 84 Bates Road, Bradford, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023, at the Bradford Manor.

Born in Bradford on September 1, 1943. She was the daughter of Charles and Jane Schuman. On July 2, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, Patrick Joseph Buccolini at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. 

She was a 1961 graduate of Bradford Area High School and received her BS in Early Childhood Education and in Elementary Education in June 1965 from Lock Haven University. She worked toward her master’s degree attending St. Bonaventure University, Penn State University, and Edinboro University. She taught in the Bradford Schools for 31 years retiring in June of 2000. 

After graduating in 1966, she taught kindergarten at Third Ward School for seven years. She left the district in 1971 to give birth to her son, Daniel. and had her daughter, Rebecca born in 1974. In 1979, she returned to teaching Fifth Grade at West Branch School and when George G. Blaisdell opened in 1980, she was asked to leave West Branch to teach Second Grade at the new school. She taught Second and Third Grade at Blaisdell for 20 years, retiring in 2000. 

During the summer of 2000, she opened her home to teach Creative Writing to children ages 9 to 11. She continued tutoring children, individually, in her home for three more years and taught at Crook Farm Schoolhouse as well. Mrs. B., which she was most often called, loved seeing her students and their parents. She kept up with many of them on Facebook. On National Teacher's Appreciation Day in 2015, several of them mentioned Mrs. Bucccolini saying, " I have had many good teachers, but none that changed my life as much as Mrs. Buccolini. I cannot imagine how many children's lives were forever changed after being in her 3rd. grade class. Mrs. B was an amazing teacher, my absolute favorite. She will never leave my heart. 

Mrs. Buccolini belonged to two teacher organizations Delta Kappa Gamma and PSAR. She taught Religious Education for St. Francis and St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church. She was very active in the Women's Bradford Women's Connection for many years serving as treasurer, Bible Study Coordinator and Chair of the group. She also began three Bible study groups. She taught two of them in her home. 

Early in her married life she was a member of Bradford Jaycetts and later she and her husband grew active in the Street Dreams Car Club. Her work with Special Olympics, Futures, and Evergreen Elm were closest to her heart. 

In their years of marriage, Pat and Bonnie spent much time traveling. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by traveling to the Southern Caribbean. They traveled by Via Rail across Canada to Vancouver and then by Amtrac across the United States stopping at many places during their trips. They went on an Alaskan Cruise. They traveled up the Mississippi River on a riverboat from New Orleans. LA to Memphis,Tennessee stopping at several Civil War sights. They visited important places in the lives of Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley. Seeing parts of Europe and meeting family members in Italy turned out to be the very best trip ever. Bonnie Facebooked with two of their cousins in Rome and one cousin in Sarnano which was the Buccolini's hometown four hours North of Rome. 

Bonnie and Pat were but older children when they met and fell in love. They always felt blessed that love has lasted a lifetime. They shared that love with their children, Daniel, Darlene, and Rebecca. Their granddaughter, Marissa, was the light of their lives. She worked hard giving the best of herself to her children. And so left the world a better place than she found it.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 3-5 and 7-9 in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 10:00 am in St. Bernard Church with Fr. Jim Gutting, as celebrant. Entombment will follow at the St. Bernard Mausoleum. 

Memorial contributions, if desired may be made to Futures Rehabilitation, Inc. 1 Future's Way Bradford, PA 16701, or Evergreen Elm 50 Main Street., Bradford PA 16701.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online Condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Dear Family, we are so sorry to hear about Aunt Bonnie. She was a wonderful and kind person and we will always have warm and loving memories of her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike & Sally Sposato
— Michael Sposato

To me she was always "Bonnie" but to my children she was Mrs Buccolini" ...she was one of the best teachers at 3rd Ward School...I can''t tell you how much my three children learned from this wonderful woman....whenmy oldest son, Rob saw her at St. Bernards Church he sad ''Mom, there is Mrs. Buccolini "..he ran over and gave her a big hug...after all those years she still recognize him and called him by name..prayers at this very sad time...she will be missed
— loretta sampson

Deepest sympathy and prayers. I had the privilege of getting to know Bonnie while working with her as one of my home health patients many years ago. I enjoyed our conversations. She was a strong woman. May she rest in peace.
— Colleen White

My heart weeps as I think that I will not be able to share her sweet tender face and a cuppa tea again. Our days working for the Jaycettes was how I got to know and understand her complete giving spirit. But it was much later when we matured that I recognized that Bonnie carried her faith in her every word and action. I once told her that I saw Jesus in her eyes. She is rejoicing with the angels now and watching over her darling sweetheart, Pat, and guiding in spirit her dear Becky and Marissa. Danny and Darlene will never need another angel to pray for them. Your mom is your angel. Bonnie touched us all in special ways. She was an inspiration for me for a lifetime.
— Georgann Billetdeaux

To the Buccolini Family I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Buccolini was my 3rd grade teacher in 1993 I believe it was. She was one of a kind and very kind hearted. I was very sad to hear of her passing. One of the greatest memories I have as her being my teacher was when we did a play at the Ecumenical Home for the clients there as a class. She will be deeply missed and my heart is broken to hear about her passing. May God Bless Your Family in this difficult time and help you find peace through all this. Much love to you all
— Matt Dougherty

To family of B0nnie. So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
— Suzie and Larry Fox

Pat and family, I''m so sorry to hear of Bonnie''s passing. She was such a wonderful person. She always lit up a room with her smile and genuine caring. She will be missed by so many. Keep the fun loving memories close and keep her with you. Fly High with the Angels Bonnie.
— Barb Burgess

Dear Pat and Family ( Daniel, Darlene and Rebecca) I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a lovely and Compassionate lady . A mother, Wife and Teacher who had a heart for people with special needs and also her past students who still loved her after growing up and moving on with their lives. Bonnie is a great lady who loved her family and her students also life in general . I remember Bonnie as Becky''s mom and a devoted supporter of the McKean County Special Olympics in which I have competed in years ago at GGB alongside students in Mrs Mangel''s class ..Bonnie was there cheering us all on as we swam at the YMCA in the late 80''s .. thank you for being an amazing Cheerleader.. Fly High Bonnie you earned your wings.
— Casey Langianese

Pat, my heart goes out to you. I remember Bonnie from way back when we were kids at church. My son Joe remembers her as a teacher at GGB. Hang tightly to God’s hand during this time.
— Gloria Dittman

Dear Pat I am so sorry to learn that Bonnie has passed. She put up a good fight. I will always remember seeing her at church and you guys holding hands. God bless you during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers to you Fondly Judy Keenan
— JUDY KEENAN

Condolences

  • Dear Family, we are so sorry to hear about Aunt Bonnie. She was a wonderful and kind person and we will always have warm and loving memories of her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike & Sally Sposato

    — Michael Sposato
  • To me she was always "Bonnie" but to my children she was Mrs Buccolini" ...she was one of the best teachers at 3rd Ward School...I can''t tell you how much my three children learned from this wonderful woman....whenmy oldest son, Rob saw her at St. Bernards Church he sad ''Mom, there is Mrs. Buccolini "..he ran over and gave her a big hug...after all those years she still recognize him and called him by name..prayers at this very sad time...she will be missed

    — loretta sampson
  • Deepest sympathy and prayers. I had the privilege of getting to know Bonnie while working with her as one of my home health patients many years ago. I enjoyed our conversations. She was a strong woman. May she rest in peace.

    — Colleen White
  • My heart weeps as I think that I will not be able to share her sweet tender face and a cuppa tea again. Our days working for the Jaycettes was how I got to know and understand her complete giving spirit. But it was much later when we matured that I recognized that Bonnie carried her faith in her every word and action. I once told her that I saw Jesus in her eyes. She is rejoicing with the angels now and watching over her darling sweetheart, Pat, and guiding in spirit her dear Becky and Marissa. Danny and Darlene will never need another angel to pray for them. Your mom is your angel. Bonnie touched us all in special ways. She was an inspiration for me for a lifetime.

    — Georgann Billetdeaux
  • To the Buccolini Family I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Buccolini was my 3rd grade teacher in 1993 I believe it was. She was one of a kind and very kind hearted. I was very sad to hear of her passing. One of the greatest memories I have as her being my teacher was when we did a play at the Ecumenical Home for the clients there as a class. She will be deeply missed and my heart is broken to hear about her passing. May God Bless Your Family in this difficult time and help you find peace through all this. Much love to you all

    — Matt Dougherty