Michael Buonassi

Michael Buonassi, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Vincent Buonassi and Michelina (Malfese) and husband of the late Eleanor (Sniscak), married 57 years.

He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy 91st Battalion Seabee Division in the Pacific Islands. He earned Masters degrees from both Baylor and Lehigh Universities and taught in the Bethlehem Area School District for 34 years. He began teaching at Washington Jr. High, where he was the head coach of wrestling, basketball, soccer and baseball. He spent a year in Macapa, Brazil as Supervisor and Director of the American Language Schools for the Bethlehem Steel Mining Department. He returned to teaching at Washington and became the head coach of Lehigh's Lacrosse Team. He was also a certified official of both high school and collegiate sports.

Then, a new chapter began: Liberty High School Social Studies Teacher and soccer coach.

At Liberty, Mike coached seven undefeated soccer teams, winning six Eastern Scholastic League Championships and eleven District XI Championship Titles. His players won acclaim throughout the country. He still is the winningest Soccer Coach in Liberty history in 13 seasons with 126 wins, 8 losses and 16 ties.

After coaching, he became Liberty High School's Athletic Director. He donated and began the tradition of the Battle of the Bell Athletic Competition between Liberty and Freedom.

Mike was well known for running the roads at Lehigh's Athletic Fields with his white German Shepherd at his side. He was Cross Country Coach at Liberty and ran with the LVAA Runners Club competing in Eastern PA races, winning first and second place in his age group. He has completed many marathons including Boston and NYC.

In late retirement, he enjoyed the company of the Lehigh Athletes, working outside and reading. Mike was a parishioner of the former Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Amy; and his brother Joe.

Services: A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. Visitation will be Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, from 10 to 11 a.m. both in the funeral home. Burial will be private.

The family asks that you please share a memory of Mike at www.connellfuneral.com.

Visitation
Friday, April 5, 2013
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Saturday, April 6, 2013
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Service
Saturday, April 6, 2013
11:00 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531