Stephen Anthony Bonarrigo Jr.

Stephen Anthony Bonarrigo Jr. (Steve, Stevey) passed away on May 23, 2022 at the age of 71 in Rockland, MA. 

Steve was born on February 26, 1951, in Boston, MA and grew up in Stoughton, MA. He graduated from Stoughton High School and Southeastern Technical Institute / UMASS Dartmouth with two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. He worked as an Application and Product Engineer at many local technology companies including Draper Laboratory, Mini-Systems, Raytheon, Crystalonics, and Teledyne.  He had a passion for technical work. He made a hobby out of working with computers and their software programs in his spare time. 

Steve was an avid golfer throughout his life with his custom left-handed golf clubs. He enjoyed customizing his clubs and even started a small business to do this for others.  His heart was focused on golf: whether playing with friends or in leagues on the South Shore, watching golf on TV, tracking his handicap, or carefully caring for and customizing his golf clubs to perfect his game. He also enjoyed listening to the oldies, watching golf, Sci-fi, and classic TV shows on his VHS tapes and DVDs. Steve loved The Three Stooges, Star Trek, and classics like “The Blob,” “The Thing,” and “The Fly”. 

At an early age, Steve enjoyed fishing with his dad and brother and was a collector of many things. His passion for collecting continued throughout his lifetime.  He frequented the Raynham Flea Market to find unique collectibles and socialize with other collectors like himself.   

He enjoyed traveling very much.  His trip to Sicily was a highlight for Steve.  It fulfilled Steve’s aspirations of exploring his Italian heritage, meeting long lost relatives, and seeing the beautiful countryside of Sicily.  He proudly displayed the Sicilian Trinacria.  Steve also traveled every inch of beautiful New England and was very proud of that accomplishment.  He owned many cars in his lifetime and pristinely cared for them.     

Steve loved his children and grandchildren very much—they were his biggest accomplishment. He spent many years videotaping his children’s theatre performances, dance recitals, and candid moments. He would visit his grandchildren regularly and enjoyed celebrating their special moments. He loved watching his grandchildren swim during lessons and would always make time to play and relate to them.  He would "putt-putt" in their back yard, play ball, listen to tunes using Alexa, and watch 'The Wild Kratz' TV show with them.  

In his later years, Steve took up walking to his favorite local breakfast places and frequented Anita Marie’s Restaurant in Rockland, Old Town Café and Martin’s Restaurant in Abington. He spent lots of time and cups of coffee with friends over many meals. He enjoyed being together with his daughters and family creating memories over food whether at a restaurant, his brother Bobby’s, or in his daughter April’s home.  

Steve is predeceased by his parents Stephen A. Bonarrigo Sr., Iola (Feroli) Bonarrigo and his sister Carolyn “Cal” Tapp. He is survived by his daughters April Palmquist and her husband Chris Palmquist of Abington, MA and Holly Bonarrigo of Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by his brother Robert “Bobby” Bonarrigo and wife Lynne of Raynham, MA; former wife Jacquelyn (Tricomi) Bonarrigo of Brockton, MA; and brother-in-law Gregory Tapp of Bridgewater, MA. He leaves behind his grandchildren Abigail Palmquist and Zachary Palmquist whom he loved dearly and nieces Janelle Tapp, Krista Jezak, and Katie Bonarrigo, along with his great niece Lily Jezek, great nephew Weston Marotta, and many extended family members.  

In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made to a local South Shore charity Served Kitchen where they will honor Steve with a special meal for those who may be undernourished or unable to put food on the table.  Donations can be made by visiting http://www.servedmeals.org/donate/. 

Visitation will be held at the Quealy & Son Funeral Home 116 Adams Street, Abington on Friday June 10 from 4 to 6pm, followed by a service in the funeral home at 6pm.

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