Gabriel V. Bonadie, a long-standing Vincentian community leader in Brooklyn, died at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx on Jan. 4. He was 94.
“He died peacefully, attended by close family, and parishioners and clergy from Trinity Church Wall Street,” his obituary states. “Gabriel died as a result of smoke inhalation from a fire at his residence on Dec. 3, 2019.”
Bonadie was a former president and chaplain of the Brooklyn-based Vincentian Independent National Charities, Inc. (VINCI), and a former member of the Ancient Order of Foresters Court, St. Vincent’s Morning Star No. 2298, advancing to the rank of Past Chief Ranger.
He was also “a proud member of the No. 17 St. Vincent (1st Bequia) Scout Troop and advanced to the rank of Scout Master, District Scout Master, District Commissioner and Assistant Chief Commissioner of St. Vincent,” according to his obituary.
Bonadie was also a “life-long member” of the Anglican/Episcopal church.
“He was christened at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on the island of Bequia (St. Vincent Grenadine island),” the obituary says. “After immigrating to the USA in 1972, Gabriel became an active member of Trinity Church Wall Street.”
At Trinity Church Wall Street, Bonadie was a member of the Congregational Council and was the first congregational member to serve a seven-year-term on the Vestry.
He also served in various liturgical and lay leadership capacities, such as sub-deacon, acolyte, lector and intercessor, the obituary says.
In addition, it says Bonadie served on the Task Force Against Racism.
“Gabriel through his generosity and love for Trinity donated a set of vestments,” the obituary says. “He was a true cradle Episcopalian and embraced every aspect of the faith.”
Bonadie was born in Bequia on Oct. 8, 1925 to Clairmont and Maude Bonadie (both predeceased him).
He held diplomas from Cambridge University and the London School of Accountancy and Finance.
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he was a school teacher, Assistant Principal and Boy Scout Leader.
According to his obituary, Bonadie had a brief career in politics and government for several years prior to migrating to New York.
He served as clerk of the Executive Council (Cabinet Secretary) in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government.
Soon after migration in 1972, Bonadie began employment, serving for 26 years, at Local 144 Fund Office of the Nursing Home, Hospital, Hotel, Civil Service and Affiliated Services Union, and was chief executive officer of the Fund by the time he retired.
Bonadie was also predeceased by his wife, Sybil; his children, Gillian and John-Paul; and his siblings – Rose, Casembe, Siolastica and Audrey.
He is survived by his daughter, Gillian, the Peters family in Bequia and the United States, and the Clarke family in the US.
The wake took place on Thursday, Jan. 9 at Redden’s Funeral Home, Inc. 325 West 14th St. in lower Manhattan.
The funeral took place the next day at Trinity Church Wall Street, 89 Broadway, lower Manhattan also.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested that contributions be made to the Gabriel V. Bonadie Memorial Fund at the GoFundMe Link: www.gofun
“The fund will support a yet-to-be selected youth charity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the obituary says.
Wayne Raguette, incumbent VINCI president, told Caribbean Life, that Bonadie during “the last several years of his life dedicated his time to his church and the VINCI organization.
“He was an executive member and president for several years,” he said. “He brought a tremendous amount of experience to the organization and gave generously to many causes in New York and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. His contribution was greatly cherished and sadly missed.”
