Matthew Bonica

Matt Bonica was a really good son. He loved life and gave so much to many people. He was funny, quick witted, playful, loyal and genuine. He is gone much too soon. Matt died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, July 23, 2015 after complications with a lifelong illness with epilepsy. He was 22.

His parents, Randi and Sharon (Pandolph) Bonica welcomed him into their lives on July 1, 1993 in Winchester Hospital. Raised in Waltham he attended Manville School in Boston and graduated from Manville EDCO program at Brookline High School where many great friendships were formed.

Matthew was a talented computer graphic artist and was a graduate of the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts where he worked on unique animation projects with passion and enthusiasm. He remained involved with the Manville School and was looking forward to the possibility of a position in its program. He also was self-employed and helped companies develop logos and advertisements. His passion for the arts was a natural. He created various artworks either on the computer or as a hobby such as sculptures and a coat made entirely of duct tape. Matt was a detail oriented worker and knew he was done when it was absolutely perfect.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures in his life with family and friends. Whether a ride on the back of his dad's or his brother's Harley on a road trip to New York or Vermont, a vacation with parents, lunch at 'In a Pickle', an ice-cream at Lizzie's, daily coffees followed by daily iced coffees or taking the time to find the perfect card for the appropriate occasion for anyone in his life . . . this was Matt Bonica. He will be so very much missed and will always be loved.

Life threw him challenges but he met adversities with great strength and perseverance. Matt practiced karate for fifteen years, earning a black belt, and did his absolute best to make certain epilepsy wouldn't alter his day to day activities or prevent him from enjoying and experiencing all that life had to offer.

Mourning his loss is his family: his parents, Randi and Sharon Bonica of Waltham; his siblings, Michelle Fraser and her husband, Robert, of Wakefield and Stephen Bernier and his wife, Stephanie of Hudson; his nephew, Adam Fraser; his grandparents, Janice and Anthony 'Bishy' Pandolph of Woburn; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Welcoming Matt into heaven were his grandparents, Joseph 'Pat' and Betty (Ross) Bonica.

Family and friends will honor and remember Matt's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, July 28th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning where his Funeral Services will be held at 9 a.m. Committal prayers and final farewell will follow in Newton Cemetery Chapel.

In lieu of flowers consider honoring Matt's memory with a contribution to Epilepsy Foundation of New England, 540 Gallivan Blvd. 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02124 or Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or to the Manville/Judge Baker Children's Center, 53 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02120.