Friends recall Bono as a man who never ran from a problem

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“He was so active,” Jakubowski said. “He was an integral part of the township of Union.

“He was a pretty good golfer.” Bono’s hobbies included fishing, golf and cooking but, most of all, he loved to spend time with his family and friends.

“He was a good family man,” Russo said. “He loved his family very much.”

“I really got to know him because, when I was a guidance counselor at Burnet (Middle School), I knew his children, the two older ones, Lisa and Michael Jr.,”

In Memoriam

• MATERA – Peter F., of Point Pleasant Beach, formerly of Union and New York City; Sept. 5. Real estate entrepreneur, cousin, 61.

• SCHNABEL – Cindy Diane, of Springfield, formerly of Union; Sept. 12. Elementary school teacher. Wife, mother, 70.

In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.

Jakubowski said. “For Michael, I was already vice president of the school.

“He lived right over here on Ray Avenue, a block away from me.”

Bono served as the 48th mayor of Union in 1986. As mayor, he is credited with beginning the longstanding and popular holiday tree-lighting event in town.

“I used to speak to him every day,” Russo said “If I didn’t see him, I’d speak to him on the phone.”

“I saw in the funeral home the large number of people who came out, with expressions of love and sadness,” Russo continued.

“He was Mike Bono and people knew who Mike Bono was and people knew, if they had an issue, they could call Mike Bono and he would take care of it,” Jakubowski said.

“Mike Bono was Union. He spent his entire life in Union.”

“He was a proud person,” said Russo. “Whatever problems he had, he fought them himself.

But he loved Union. He was proud of his community.

“He was a courageous man. He never ran away from a problem. He was willing to face any problem and tackle it.”

“I knew him as a parent, as a neighbor, as a friend,” Jakubowski said.

“He was a good, good friend. A close friend,” Russo said. “I will miss him so much.”

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lorraine. Predeceased by his sons, Michael Jr. and Dominick, he is survived by his children, Lisa Melisse and Christopher Bono; his sisters, Joan O’Donnell and Joyce Yard; his grandchildren, Jessica Melisse and Erich Beute; as well as his many loving relatives and friends.