Christopher Joseph Bonadies
Aug. 4, 1954 - Dec. 30, 2020
SOUTH BEND, IN -
Christopher Joseph Bonadies passed away in his home in Richmond, California surrounded by friends and family on December 30, 2020 after an 11-month illness.

Chris was born on August 4, 1954 to his parents, Joseph and Rosemary (Rodgers) Bonadies, in St. Louis, Missouri, but the family soon moved to South Bend. Chris often spoke about his happy childhood, growing up the fourth of nine children. After graduating from Clay High School in 1972, Chris moved to California where he eventually made the Bay Area his permanent home. In the “East Bay” he grew a business and was a loving husband, an extraordinary father, and a beloved friend.

Chris loved working with his hands, and was always industrious! In high school he participated in his family's house painting business and completed a carpenter's apprenticeship. In California his experience in the paint business led him to long time employment in two East Bay paint stores, one of which he eventually managed. In 1990 Chris got his contractor's license, and - although he did many jobs and projects - he dedicated himself to the craft he nourished throughout his lifetime: woodworking. His company, Woodware, earned a stellar reputation throughout the East Bay.

Chris's other passion was music. He was a gifted singer and guitarist. In high school he began playing music (mostly rock and roll!) with kindred-spirited musicians, playing at various venues in Michiana and Notre Dame. Several years after moving to California he decided to form a band with a singer who was another Clay High School graduate who had also relocated to the Bay Area: Despie Fausch. They started played music together, fell in love, got married, and had two beautiful daughters who adored their father. Chris and Despie performed together for the next four decades in various public and private venues, and Chris's musical skills and profound love of music was a gift to all. Chris and Despie were grateful that, days before Chris's passing, they were able to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary listening to music, wrapped in each other's arms.

Chris is survived by his wife, Despina (Fausch) of CA, his daughter Ephstathia “Thia” Bonadies of California, his daughter Genevieve “Genzie” Bonadies Torres (Jordi) of Washington, DC, his mother Rosemary Bonadies of North Carolina, his brothers Lewis (Sharon) of Ohio, Philip (Karen) of California, Timothy (Mary) of Indiana, John (Sue) of Illinois, and Joseph (Sherry) of Michigan, and sisters Angela Hambling (Bill) of North Carolina and Margaret Blonigan (Gregg) of Zurich Switzerland.

The family is planning a memorial for Chris in August in the Bay Area.
To paraphrase Charles Dickens, “All his life was a kindness.”

Published in South Bend Tribune on Feb. 28, 2021.

02/28/2021 JFC