Obituary of Leo Bonicki

St. Petersburg, FL - Leo J. Bonicki, 76, passed away July 23, 2013 in St. Petersburg after a short illness. Mr. Bonicki was born January 8, 1937 in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Leo P. and Helen M. (Farrell) Bonicki. He was a longtime Waterbury resident before moving to Florida in 2000. Leo graduated from Crosby High School and worked at Farrell Foundry in Cheshire before becoming a teacher in 1972 and future department head at E.C. Goodwin Technical High School in New Britain where he retired. Mr. Bonicki was an integral part of Waterbury's sports history as a former outstanding athlete, coach and an inspiration to the youth of Waterbury. He is best known as a player/coach with the Pomperaug League Champion Waterville Red Wings baseball team. He also coached the Waterville Community Club-Travel Center boy's baseball teams to five straight Mickey Mantle Division state championships and one regional championship. One of his teams advanced to the World Series in Sherman, Texas. Mr. Bonicki was a beloved Waterville Community Leader as head coach for the Pop Warner Waterville Vikings Midget Football team for over 20 years, guiding them to five undefeated seasons and six bowl games. In addition to the Sportsmen Club Award he was also a recipient of the Olympian Award in 1990 for his contributions to local sports and effective efforts to improve the quality of life in Waterbury, CT. Mr. Bonicki is survived by his loving family including his children Leo P. Bonicki and his wife Stephanie of Waterbury, Christine Leonard and her husband Brian of Germantown, MD, Karen Ouellette and her husband Dan of Waterbury, Kevin Bonicki and his wife Angela of Waterbury, Linda Omasta and her husband Tom of Bridgewater, and Robert Bonicki and his wife Karen of Waterbury; seven grandchildren Corey and Dan Leonard, Lindsey and Kyle Bonicki, Thomas Ouellette, and Anthony and Andrew Bonicki. Mr. Bonicki was married for many years to Helen LeVasseur and leaves many close relatives including beloved nieces and nephews and countless dear friends. Arrangements - Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday August 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held on Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mulville Funeral Home 270 West Main St, Waterbury. Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to Corp. Coyle American Legion Baseball, 60 Hewey St. Waterbury, CT 06708.