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Worcester family loses grandson, grandfather a day apart

  • Posted by Obituaries July 25, 2025 - Filed in News - #Worcester  #Auburn  #Joseph Bonardi  #Dana Bonardi  - 7,173 views


    Dana Bonardi (Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel) and Joseph Bonardi (Britton Funeral Homes)

    WORCESTER — A Worcester family is mourning the loss of 2 generations after a beloved grandfather and his grandson died just a day apart recently.

    Joseph E. “Joe” Bonardi, 90, of Auburn, passed away Saturday, July 12th, just a day after his grandson, Dana James Bonardi, 43, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 11th.

    Dana Bonardi, a professional drummer known across Massachusetts for his talent and magnetic stage presence, was described by loved ones as a man with “an energy that could light up any room.” Born in Worcester, Dana was a devoted father to 3 children — Devin, Deyana, and Austin — and cherished by his siblings, Jesse and Jenna Bonardi.

    “Still drumming, just on higher ground,” read a line in his obituary. His funeral was Wednesday at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel. Read Dana’s full obituary here.

    Joseph Bonardi, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and retired F.A.A. maintenance supervisor, was remembered as a man who never met a stranger and lived for adventure—whether traveling the country with his wife of 56 years, Bertha, or volunteering in the Auburn community.

    Joe was active in organizations including the Masons, Elks, Moose Fraternity, and American Legion, and was once honored as “Deputy Sheriff of the Year.” Above all, his family said, he was most proud of his role as husband, father, and grandfather.

    Joe’s graveside service with military and Masonic honors will be held at 1 p.m. today - Friday, July 25th - at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester. Read Joseph’s full obituary here.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in Dana’s name, or to the Joel H. Prouty Masonic Lodge Brotherhood Fund in Joe’s memory.

    The Bonardi family is being supported by Mercadante Funeral Home and Britton-Wallace Funeral Home.

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