John “Jack” William Bonino, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of the home where he had raised his family since moving to Elmhurst, IL in 1980. A man of unwavering dedication, integrity, loyalty and humor, Jack leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by his family, friends, and colleagues.
Jack was born on February 23, 1942, and lived a life that was full of adventure, service, and love. He was married for 60 wonderful years to his devoted wife, Sarah Sue. Together, they raised a family of four children: John (Sandy) Bonino, Merri (David) Chandler, and Michael (Kate) Bonino. He was also a proud father to his late daughter, Robin Marie Steinbach. Jack’s love for his children was matched only by the joy he found in his thirteen grandchildren: Johnny, Alex, Katie, Connor, Megan, Jack, Aiden, Jake, Molly, Avery, Brooklyn, Amelia, and Hugh. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Luca and Gianni.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved daughter and his parents, Bernice and Bernard Bonino.
Jack’s professional life was equally distinguished. A graduate and lifelong fan of Florida State University, Jack retired after 25 years as a Special Agent with the FBI, a career that began in 1971. Prior to joining the FBI, Jack served as a Special Agent with Naval Intelligence in Pensacola, FL. During his FBI career, Jack worked in the field offices of Houston, TX, Jackson, MS, and Chicago, IL. Toward the end of his career, he served for one year as the acting FBI liaison to Italy’s organized crime division in Rome.
Jack was a seasoned undercover agent, undertaking fourteen assignments ranging from contract murders and organized crime infiltrations to bribery, extortion, and bombing cases. Jack’s most notable case was Operation Home Run, in which he went undercover for eighteen months in south Florida, which resulted in thirteen indictments for members of a New York crime syndicate.
Outside of his career, Jack had a great love for books and learning. His passion for reading was an important part of his life as he found enjoyment in history and exploring new ideas. Jack was a lifelong New York Yankee fan and was thrilled to be their bat boy for the 1956 spring training season in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was raised.
Throughout his life, Jack was a friend to countless people, always willing to provide advice, offer help or lend an ear. Among his closest friends were neighbors Randy and Sue Froelich, who were dear to him and shared in many cherished memories. Jack will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his extraordinary FBI career, deep sense of loyalty, and quick wit. He and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on June 1, 2025, from 1 pm to 5 pm at Angelo’s Ristorante & Banquets, 247 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.
