Geraldine Bonarrigo

Geraldine Marie Bonarrigo (born Zeigler), age 95, of Blairsville, PA and Ft. Myers, FL passed away surrounded by her family Friday evening at Forbes Hospital. Gerry was proceeded by her husband of 63 years, Russell J. Bonarrigo and sister Grace Kaylor.

Born Sept 25, 1925, in Altoona, the daughter of Leroy and Elizabeth Zeigler (born Dively). As a resident of Altoona, Indiana, and Blairsville, Gerry lived her life to the fullest. She worked as a school teacher after graduating from the State Teachers College at Indiana, now Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Gerry later relocated to Indiana with her husband to start a Kaiser-Frazier dealership and then to Blairsville, in 1955, to a newly purchased Bonarrigo Ford franchise. Gerry and Russell ran the franchise together for more than 50 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blairsville and a charter member for 65-years of the Indiana chapter of the Quota International Club. Gerry pursued an avid interest in genealogy, becoming a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. When not cheering on the Penn State Football team and enjoying the Blue Band, she could be found dancing with the Indiana Ballroom Dance Club or Stompers Line Dancing club, golfing with her children and grandchildren, or just appreciating opera or a good book. Following her retirement, she and her husband wintered in Ft Myers, FL.

Above all else she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her five daughters and son: Diane (Eugene) Meier of Blairsville, Rosanne (Michael) Henigin of Blairsville, Patricia Bonarrigo of Blairsville, Kathie (Dan) Mantine of Frederick, MD., Russell (Suzanne) Bonarrigo of Blairsville, and Gerrie (Michael) Bonarrigo of Carmel, IN.; and six grandchildren, Cmdr. Russell (Jessica) Meier, of Chesapeake, VA., Christopher Meier, of Delmont, Dr. Angelina Meier, of Bridgeville, Erin Marie Henigin, of Belleville, MI., Michael (Tammy) Henigin, of Bentonville, AR., and Isabel Bonarrigo-Burton, of Carmel, IN.; and five great-grandchildren, Jeffery, Jacob, and Joshua Meier of Chesapeake, VA. and  Ava Rose and Luca Henigin of Bentonville, AR.

As per her wishes, there will no visitation.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the First United Methodist Church, 50 S. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA 15717, in Gerry’s memory. Kepple-Graft Funeral Home of Greensburg is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences and information please visit www.kepplegraft.com.