Theresa Bonanni

ALBANY – Theresa “Tess” Bonanni, 99, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Tess was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Michael Sgambelluri and Pauline Leone Sgambelluri.  She lived in the area nearly all her life and was married for over fifty years to Vincent A. Bonanni, who died in 1993.  She attended Philip Schuyler High School, and was employed as a waitress at several restaurants in Albany including at the DeWitt Clinton and Ten Eyck Hotels.  For many years she was co-owner of the very popular Paramount Lounge in Schenectady, where guests consistently raved about her fabulous meals and cooking.  She also was an early and active member of the Italian American Community center where she sat on and chaired a number of committees.  She also was a member of the West Albany Italian Benevolent Society, and the American Italian Heritage Association, Museum and Cultural Center.  She was a communicant of All Saints Catholic Church and the former St. Margaret Mary’s church, where she was very active in the senior citizens group.  Tess loved people and they loved her.  She touched the lives of so many who became and remained friends.  She led a full life and enjoyed many activities including bowling, bocci, and visiting casinos.

Tess is survived by her children JoAnn Collins (Fred) of Colonie, E. Virginia Pezzula (William) of Colonie, and Vincent M. Bonanni (Maureen) of Guilderland; her brother Michael Sgambelluri (Yvonne) of Loudonville; her sisters in law Grace Sgambelluri of Rotterdam, and Lucy Hirst of New York City; her grandchildren Deana Ryan (Scott), Thomas Graziano (Sandi), and Sheri Sablich (DJ); her great grandchildren Jason and Brandon Ryan, and Vincent and Maria Sablich; many nieces and nephews, and by her loyal, caring, and wonderful friends.  She was predeceased by her sister Rosemary Van Alstyne; and by her brothers Joseph, Francis, Arthur, and Anthony Sgambelluri.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany (behind CVS) Monday morning, December 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church after the mass from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  Entombment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Colonie.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic Church, mailing address 12 Rosemont St., Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

This is a video tribute to Tess: