Joseph Curtis Bononia, 71, of Allegan, MI passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.  Born June 13, 1954 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Clovis and Idella (Hicks) Bononia. Joseph was the husband of Cynthia (Thoma) Bononia with whom he would have celebrated fifty-two years of marriage on July 25th.  Joseph, affectionately known as "Papa" to many of his family, was a man of great faith who made certain his family knew and loved the Lord.  He served as an usher in his local church for many years.  Joseph was a selfless man and when he gave you anything he would always say "I give this to you in Jesus' name".  He found joy in everything in life and had a sense of humor that was unmatched.  Joseph loved traveling and taking his children and grandchildren all across the country on new adventures.  He was a Civil War enthusiast with a profound knowledge and appreciation of the era.  Joseph had attended many reenactments over the years and had several favorite collectibles, including his beloved blanket that Cindy made for him.  He operated his own bike shop along Lincoln Road in Allegan for many years where he worked on and sold bikes.  Many of the bikes that came through his shop became VBS bikes for kids at church year after year, which the kids always looked forward to trying to win.  Joseph was proud of his dedicated years of work as a truck driver for the 7-Up company and looked back fondly at his time playing softball where he was known to the team as "Underdog".  He was an avid chess player who had won many trophies and ran the chess club at the Allegan Library.  Joseph even continued to play chess online when getting out and about for matches wasn't as easy.  He was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and he is already dearly missed.

In addition to his wife, Cindy, Joseph is survived by his children, Sara Bononia, Elizabeth Bononia, Joseph (Jennifer) Bononia, and Joy Bononia; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Joseph's favorite saying was "you never say goodbye but always say see ya later".  The family will gather at Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM to say "see ya later" to Joseph.  A celebration of his new life with Jesus will begin at the church at 1:00 PM.  Because he hated black and thought it morbid, the family requests all those in attendance wear bright colors.  He will be laid to rest privately in Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan.