Anibal Bonilla

Anibal Bonilla, age 77, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, November 16, 2024 @ 7:15 p.m at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Waco, TX while surrounded by his children & loving spouse. 

He was born in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico on December 16th, 1946, to parents, Anastasio Bonilla and Petra Ramos Bonilla. 

Marrying his one and only sweetheart, Elena Chaires Bonilla (age 75) on September 25th 1971 in Monterey, Mexico, was his most everlasting joy. After 53 loyal years of commited marriage, we reflect in unity as a grateful family of the respectable and unwavering love and loyalty our irreplaceable Dad was to his wife and kids. Before he was our “Papi” he was a soldier: Staff Sergeant Bonilla. He was among the most brave and was honorably discharged after dedicating 22 years to the U.S. Military, serving in the Vietnam War & Panama Conflict era. Retiring in 1991, as a patriotic soldier of the United States Army, being a War Veteran was one of his proudest moments and most deserving ones. Sharing his journey always made him laugh and smile, as a devoted comrade, the stories were endless. Anibal traveled across the country, from Germany, Puerto Rico to Panama and Korea as well as other US states and several different cities. He lived in Copperas Cove and Fort Hood for many years, eventually making Waco, TX a permanent home for himself and his family.

One of Anibal's passions was food and being a chef, and his dishes were always a treat to taste. He also loved being surrounded by family and taking trips. Watching his children grow into adults and choosing their careers made his eyes bright and his heart full. His daughters becoming nurses, bankers, V.A. employees and his son becoming a U.S. Marine, was a topic for bragging on all occasions. Being a steadfast reliable friend was his top goal other than being a grandfather, dad and husband. Anibal was an honest, faithful, trustworthy, and good hearted man. His family and friends will always love and miss him dearly. 

Anibal leaves behind to cherish many memories his wife, Elena C. Bonilla; his children, Blanca I. Bonilla Lara (daughter), Jose L. Bonilla (son), Elena G. Bonilla Lopez (daughter) , Maura Bonilla Lopez (daughter), Jorge A. Bonilla (son), and Adriana B. Bonilla Tarango (daughter); his siblings, Sergio Rosa (brother), Celia Rosa (sister), and Raquel Rosa (sister); his loving grandchildren; and one great grandson.

We as a family, would like to thank everyone for their dedicated work at Baylor Scott & White Hospitals and Clinics. We would also like to thank his primary cardiologist, Dr. Attai, his family in Puerto Rico and New Jersey, his long term friends Oscar Murrio and spouse, Silva Ambrosio, Adeli Perez and spouse, Arthur Kirven, Mr. Manuel Diaz and spouse, and many others who were always there to help. Special thanks to the staff at Waco Memorial for their kindness, professionalism, and patience. We ask everyone to remember and reflect on the good memories you shared with our father. Thank you.