Gaspare Buonavita

Gaspare "Sonny” Buonavita, 84, of Maryville passed away peacefully on 28 January 2026. He was born11August 1941, to the late Genero and Angelina Fiducio Buonavita in New York City.  A proud Veteran he joined the Air Force out of High School in 1959 serving until 1987 when he retired after 27 years. He served honorably from 1965-1966 In Vietnam. Upon his return he joined the Air National Guard serving in numerous positions, with being a PME Instructor was the most important one to him. While in the military he earned numerous awards. After his retirement, he worked in the food service business and later salesman for Twin City dealerships. Sonny was a people person never meeting a stranger. The things he enjoyed were cooking and his spring/summer vegetable garden. Most of all he loved his family and life with them especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded by his parents Genero and Angelina Buonavita and 2 of his brothers Gary and Jerry. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Patricia (Bundy) Buonavita; daughter and son-in-law DeeDee (Buonavita) and Mario Marcoccia, daughter Angela Buonavita, Son and daughter-in-law Gaspare Scot and Kristie Buonavita, daughter, and son-in-law Jennifer (Smith) and Ryan Wilson, and son and daughter-in-law Michael and Melisa Smith. Also, granddaughters Gabrielle Maroccia, Hannah Woodall, Parion and Alyonna Wiison, Caris Buonavita, and Ashley Smith; grandsons Drake Buonavita, Blake Wilson and Andrew Smith.

Memorial Service to be held 21 March 2026 at 1:30 at New Providence Presbyterian Church. There will be a reception and receiving of friends after service. In lieu of flowers make donations to either GiGi's Playhouse Knoxville, TN Down Syndrome Achievement Center, or Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville.

There will also be a live service for out of towners for those who cannot attend.