BONITO, Troy David

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Troy David Bonito January 30, 1956 ~ December 19, 2012 Troy David Bonito entered into rest on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona following a short illness. He was 56 years old. Troy was born on January 30, 1956 in Whiteriver, Navajo County, Arizona to his parents, Duley Bonito and the late Cornelia (Johnson) Bonito. He was employed by the Forestry Department for more than 20 years, starting with the Apache "4" Fire Fighters, then moved into the Apache I Squad. "To those of many colors, who wear the Gold and Green, give the strength, the knowledge, the endurance that they need to continue the fight of wildfires. May they return again, home to me." (exert from the Blessed Wildland Firefighters' Prayers.) He leaves behind 3 brothers: Ernie Bonito, Ronald Bonito, Sr., Dewey Bonito; 9 sisters: Marilyn Salter, Anna Sampson, Marsha Rolland, Regina Massey, Benita Cosay, Melinda Duryea, Berlinda Dunlap, Evalina Tenijieth, Rita Aday and his father, Duley Bonito. The family of Troy David Bonito and Vickie Lupe, his companion of 40 years, whom also survive, him consists of their 9 children: Jared "Troy" (Felecita Bonito, David (Maxine) Bonito, Keith (Naomi) Bonito, Pamela Bonito, Rachel Bonito, Cammi Bonito, Ethan Bonito, Atriyana Bonito, Dante' Bonito; 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cornelia Johnson Bonito. A two-day and night wake will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the Bonito Family home, Canyon Day Tank Road, #510 in Canyon Day, Arizona. The family requests that fellow Forestry Firefighters and all Cowboys & Cowgirls escort his body from the Canyon Day Store to his residence. The funeral will begin at 12:00 Noon, Monday, December 31, 2012 at the Canyon Day Miracle Church with Bishop Leroy Tate officiating. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Canyon Day Cemetery. Troy knew many people, so we invite everyone to come and pay your respects to this great man. Tribal Chairman Lupe, Vice-Chairman Hinton, District Council Members and Gospel Singers are all warmly invited to join us for his life's celebration. "Adios Amigos!"