Obituary of Leo David Buonasera

Leo Buonasera, 90, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018 in Harlingen, Texas.

Leo was born on April 20, 1928 in Danvers, Mass. to Sicilian immigrants, the late Dominic Buonasera and Angelia De Domenico. He grew up in Danvers and graduated from Danvers High School where he played football. Leo took a train to Boston every day to attend Boston University and after graduation he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Leo earned two graduate degrees from Denver University where he met and married Betty Jean Moffett. They were married for 20 years and had three sons. Leo had a distinguished 30 year career with Shell Oil Company where he was recognized  as one of the premier geophysicists ever employed by Shell. Leo coached youth football and was an avid tennis player. Leo loved living near the water so he built a beach house on South Padre Island in 1994 and retired to Harlingen, where he became a very good ballroom dancer. The beach house has been enjoyed by the family for the past 24 years and is the source of many fond memories.  Family was important to Leo and he was very proud of his sons and grandsons. Leo was generous and kind and will be missed by all who knew him.  

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Jennie Mantell of Lindenhurst, NY. and Netta Buonasera of Boston Mass., .  

Leo is survived by 3 sons; Alan Buonasera of Richardson, TX., Russell Buonasera of Missouri City, TX. and Howard (Teri) Buonasera of Charleston S.C., grandchildren; Austin Buonasera of Norman, OK., Cole Buonasera of Richardson, TX., and Alec Buonasera of Plano, TX., niece; Gail Himrod of Rochester Hills, MI., and nephew; Dale Mantell of Doyleston, PA..

Family will be receiving friends from 9:30 a.m. up to the chapel service hour at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 23,  2018 at Thomae Garza Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas.

Pallbearers will be members of the family.

You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Leo David Buonasera at: www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.