Frances Carmella Bonfante

Frances Carmella (Gonnello) Bonfante, 97, of Belleville, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the Bristol Assisted Living in Wayne, New Jersey.

Frances spent many years working at Bamberger’s in the china department, where she operated a forklift and once saved a coworker, Franky Politano, from choking—an act of quick thinking her family recounted with pride for years. She was known for her passion for cooking and baking, filling her home with the aromas of homemade meatballs, rich Italian gravy, and traditional struffoli during the holidays. Above all, she cherished her family and took great joy in bringing everyone together for large gatherings filled with food, laughter, and love.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 79 years, Nicholas Bonfante, Sr., her parents Francis (Figurelli) and Joseph Gonnello, her sisters Mary Martino and Jane Ritchie, and her brothers Larry Gonnello, Anthony Gonnello, and Joseph Gonnello.

Frances is survived by her sons, Nicholas Bonfante, Jr. and Robert Bonfante, Sr., her grandchildren Theresa Marone, Robert Bonfante, Sr., Jason Bonfante, and Nicole Hoelz, and her great-grandchildren John Nicholas, Gianna, Rocco, Bayley, Nathan, Annaleena, Madison, and Taylor.