Dr. Frank A. Bonifacio of Rumson passed away peacefully at home Dec. 21. Frank was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Keyport. He will forever be remembered for his brilliant mind, passion for medicine and for the love of his life, Marion.
Frank graduated from Widener University in 1956 with a degree in chemistry. His unwavering longing to help people led him to study medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He opened his family practice in Hawthorne where he was a well-loved doctor and active member of the community, making house calls, founding the little league wrestling team and as the physician for the Hawthorne Cubs Football.
Dr. Bonifacio’s passion for medicine permeated his entire life and his accolades were endless. He served as president and chief of staff at Saddle Brook General Hospital, staff physician at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, and was an associate professor and director of osteopathic medical education at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. He was president and chairman of The American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice; director of the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice Certifying Board; was a member of the Executive Council Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists; founder of the Osteopathic Internship and Family Practice residency at Saddle Brook General Hospital; president of the New Jersey Chapter of Family Practice; and represented the Physicians of Osteopathy for the United States Congress in Washington, D.C.
Frank was honored with the New Jersey Physician of the Year award in 1991 and the Physician of the Year of the American Osteopathic College of Family Practice in 1998. He received the Distinguished Fellow Award in 2012 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.
Frank leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love, integrity and passion demonstrated by his 61-year marriage to his soul mate Marion with whom he was able to travel the world and raise their two sons.
He is survived by Marion Bonifacio; Dan Bonifacio of Traverse City, Michigan; Frank Bonifacio of Portland, Oregon; his grandchildren, Jake Bonifacio, Josh Bonifacio and Delaney Bonifacio; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as countless friends, colleagues and patients. He will forever be in our hearts.
A memorial gathering was held Dec. 26 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Memorial Mass was held Dec. 27 at Holy Cross Church. Interment was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
