Benjamin Charles Bonarigo, 87, passed away peacefully on October 30th at home, after an extended illness. He was born on March 8, 1937 in Batavia, New York and graduated in 1954 from Batavia High School. Ben was the son of the late Joseph Bonarigo and Josephine San Fratello Seamans. First and foremost, he was a family man. He was a devoted husband to Carol, his wife of 54 years, and a proud and caring father to Marc Bonarigo, Britt (Shea) Bonarigo and Gina Bonarigo, and a loving and adoring grandfather to Gabriela Bonarigo. He was also beloved "Uncle Ben" to his nieces, nephews and their children. Ben was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Bonarigo in 1997.
After graduation from Michigan State University and the SUNY Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, New York, Ben completed his residency in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine at Georgetown University and the University of Rochester in Rochester. While completing his residency, his work was interrupted by a call to serve his country at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital from 1967 to 1969, where he became the youngest Commander in the U.S. Navy. Following his service in the Navy, he began a 30 year career practicing radiology as chief of radiology at Southside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, chief of radiology at East Liverpool Hospital, Ohio, chief of radiology at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, VA, and chief of radiology at Aliquippa Hospital, PA. Towards the end of his career he moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida where he continued to practice radiology at Countryside Hospital until his retirement in 2000.
Following his retirement he taught diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine to students attending the Barry University Physicians Assistant program in Florida. He thrived in his teaching and mentoring roles at Barry University and will fondly be remembered for the tremendous impact he had on his students and their careers.
Ben was a member of The Radiological Society of North America, The American College of Radiology, The Florida Radiological Society, The American Society of Nuclear Medicine, and Cypress Run Golf Club of Tarpon Springs. Ben's research and work during the 60's and 70's led to the publication of two award winning thesis's that were presented at the RSNA of North America, and in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) during his long career.
He is remembered as a spirited, driven individual with great wisdom and a dry wit who loved to tell stories, and he had a kind and generous heart. Throughout his life he was an excellent athlete who participated in many sports, including football, baseball, track, tennis and golf. Ben enjoyed playing competitive tennis for many years, winning multiple club championships and trophies in both singles and doubles matches. Later in life after retirement, he developed an interest in golf where he spent many hours perfecting his game and quickly achieved success. He had an amazing 14 career hole-in-ones and in 2004 he was the winner of the men's senior championship at Cypress Run Golf Club.
For leisure Ben relaxed by puttering in his flower garden, listening to jazz, honing his computer skills and watching and cheering on his favorite sports teams.
Ben's memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing him.
In keeping with Ben's wishes, a private memorial will be held at a later date for family members. The family kindly requests that donations be made to Accent Hospice Health Care (accentCare.) or The Humane Society of Pinellas County.
