Obituaries

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Oct 10, 2007

Joseph L. Bonin

Born April 26, l926 passed away peacefully in San Leandro, CA. on October 3, 2007, surrounded by family members.

He is survived by his loving wife Kyeson of San Leandro, CA, sister Velma Trahan of Kaplan, LA, son James (Sue) Bonin of Wellston, OK, daughter Sherry (Jim) Shields of Stockton, CA, daughter-in-law Susan Bonin of Hayward, CA and preceded in death by his son Daniel Bonin of Hayward, CA and brother Dallas Bonin of Kaplan, LA.

Joe was born in LeRoy, LA to Leodias and Onesia Bonin. In 1943 he joined the United States Navy and served his country during World War II until 1945 aboard the USS Ormsby in the South Pacific. Since that time, he remained a long time resident of the Bay Area and retired after spending over 50 years in the restaurant and government surplus business. Besides his work life, he enjoyed thoroughbred horses, fishing and all types of sports.

He was "Grandpa Joe" to six wonderful grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with whom he enjoyed family gatherings. His smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all.

Friends and family are invited to a Life Celebration Service to be held Sunday, October l4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA.

JOHN JAMES BURANIS, 78

Livermore Native, Friend to All

8/7/1929 - 10/6/2007

John Buranis of Livermore died Saturday, October 6, 2007 at Valley Care Hospital after a long illness. He was 78. John was a loving father, devoted grandfather and wonderful friend to all.

John was born at St. Paul's Hospital in Livermore on Aug 7, 1929. He attended 5th Street School and Livermore High School where he graduated in 1947 and served as Senior Class President. He attended City College of S.F. and earned an AA in criminal law. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 - 1952 during the Korean War and stationed in Japan. John was discharged from the Army in 1952 upon the untimely death of his brother Nick. John stayed in Livermore and continued the trucking company formed by his brother Nick. John built the trucking company into a successful grading, paving & demolition company that would grow with the Livermore Valley over the next 40 years. John met and married Irene Gadiano in 1953 and they had three children, John, Mike and Jim.

John was a member of many clubs and organizations, including the Operating Engineers, VFW, Eagles, and the Hundred Club. John was one of the founders and director of the Bank of Livermore. He enjoyed attending the horse races and eventually owned several race horses of his own. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, telling stories, and having great conversation. John enjoyed being a part of other peoples lives and helping in any way he could.

John is survived by his sons and their wives, John and Wendy, Mike and Debbie, Jim and Laurie, three grandsons Jeremy, Jared, and Jordan, brother Samuel Buranis, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Coula, his brother Nick, and his grandson Zachary David Buranis.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation from 1- 9pm, Rosary at 7pm, October 11; A Funeral Service on Friday, October 12 at 1pm at Callaghan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave., Livermore, CA.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the charity of their choice. CALLAGHAN MORTUARY

LIVERMORE CREMATORY

(925)447-2942

JOSEPHINE ANNE

(CIRAFESI) CAMPBELL

1941 - 2007

Alameda, CA - Josephine (Jo) passed-away peacefully after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Richard (Rich), and by son, Richard, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Susan, and grandsons Patrick and Andrew; son, John, daughter-in-law Vickey and granddaughter, Erin; son, Matthew, and son-in-law Kim. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Cirafesi and sister-in- law, Marie of Eagleville, PA, and sister, Pauline Tornetta of Royersford, PA and seven nieces and nephews.

Jo was born in Norristown, PA, daughter of the late Harry and Mary Cirafesi. Jo met her husband, Rich, while Rich was attending Villanova University. Jo and Rich were married in August 1964 and Jo continued working while Rich attended Villanova University Law School. In 1968, Jo and Rich moved to California and began living in Alameda in 1969.

Jo was an active parishioner at St. Phillip Neri Church and served as PTG president at St. Philip Neri elementary school. After moving to their current home, Jo became a member of St. Joseph parish. While their three sons attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, Jo became a good friend of basketball coach Frank LaPorte, and she spent many hours supporting the basketball program. Her lifelong interest in sports was most evident in her passion for Villanova University's men's basketball team, which recently honored her with a team ball signed by the players and Coach Jay Wright.

After raising her children, Jo realized a lifelong dream and returned to school to obtain her college degree, graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1993. Subsequently, she worked for Poppy Fabric in Oakland for many years and created many lasting friendships with her fellow workers.