John 'Jack' Bonaparte

BONAPARTE, John ‘Jack’, 69 Reserve Mines It is with great sorrow that we the family announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, John ‘Jack’ Bonaparte, 69, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. Born in Sydney, NS, Jack was the son of the late John Alexander ‘Smokey’ and Catherine (MacLellan) Bonaparte. The concrete industry did not know what was going to hit them when Jack helped pour his first concrete wall in 1962, followed by opening his own business in 1981, “Jack Bonaparte Concrete Construction Ltd.” His family heard the stories of the many of basements he put in while driving down any given street in Cape Breton with a big proud smile on his face. He will always be remembered by the way he treated other people, strangers, friends and loved ones. Dad’s work ethic was like no other, back breaking work that many of us could not handle for a week, let alone 55 years, dedicating his life to providing for his family. He bravely fought cancer for four years and never once complained but if you knew Jack that would not surprise you. He could tell a story like no other and had the ability to make you laugh so hard your stomach hurt. Dad married the love of his life Geraldine in 1972, together they built a wonderful life raising their family in Reserve Mines. They enjoyed hosting family gatherings, where their door was always open to family and friends, they made everyone feel welcome. Jack is survived by his son, Jamie Bonaparte; daughter, Joleen (Joey) Poirier. He will be deeply missed by his four grandchildren, Kersten, Ty, Hayden, Wyatt, and Cody Oliver, who was like a grandson to him; two brothers, Seward (Charlene) and Louie (Carrie). He is also survived by six sisters, Cassie (Danny), Christine (Dave), C Mary (Alvin), Marion (Bob), Jennifer (John), and Nancy (Jen) and many nieces and nephews. Also survived are his sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Butch), Carmel (Bill), Patsy (Charlie) and Linda; brother-in-law, Dougie (Gwen). Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Geraldine; son, John (Jackie) Bonaparte; brothers, Ronnie, Arthur, and sister, Agnes; as well as his mother and father-in-law, Kenny and Maude Aucoin; brothers-in-law, Jim Mullins, Kenny Aucoin and Dan Joe O’Connell. Special thanks to his long list of close friends who have been by Jack’s side from day one, your support has meant the world to us. Thank you to dad’s many employees throughout the years who he was also proud to call his friends. Sincere thank you to Dr. Puppala, Dr. Kohdadad and the Cancer Center nurses, Dr. Kenneth Rent, VON nurses, and the doctors and nurses from the Palliative Care Unit. A big thank you to his special niece Kim, for all you have done for our family throughout the years; and to Kersten and Debbie, we are so grateful to have had you by our side and for being with dad every step of the way, you both helped take such good care of dad these last six months, we don’t know what we would do without you. At Jack’s request, Cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 9, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Parish with Fr. Daniel Boudreau officiating, under the care and guidance of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902) 849-4199. Expressions of condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com Due to COVID-19 restriction, Seating is limited; Masks and Social distancing are to be adhered to. Thank you.