Benjamin J. Bonarigo

Batavia - Benjamin J. "Ben" Bonarigo, 68, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born December 19, 1956 to the late Benjamin N. and Mary (Ferrando) Bonarigo. He is preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary (Bonarigo) Fiannaca.

Born and raised in Batavia, New York, Ben was a proud graduate of Batavia High School, Class of 1975. He went on to earn his law degree and returned to his hometown to serve his community. Ben practiced law for 40 years as one of the founding partners of the Bonarigo & McCutcheon law firm, holding numerous public service roles, including attorney for the City and Town of Batavia and the Village of Oakfield.

Beyond his legal career, Ben was a devoted civic leader and a passionate advocate for education, culture, and youth. He served on many board organizations, including Notre Dame High School, The Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation, Literacy Genesee, Batavia Youth Football, and The Holland Land Office Museum. Additionally he served on the Board of Trustees for Genesee Community College (GCC) for 9 years.

He led a life rich in love where family time wasn’t just a priority, it was his greatest treasure. He cherished time spent with his wife Diane of 43 years, their three children and their spouses, and most especially, his five grandchildren. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, and St. Anthony’s and Ascension Parish. He loved golfing, reading, fishing and boating with his grandchildren, and spending time with his friends.

Ben will be remembered for his wisdom, humor, generosity, and commitment to his family, friends, community, and profession. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Diane (Duken) Bonarigo; their children and families: Benjamin (Lisa) Bonarigo and their son, Benjamin Bonarigo; Justine Bonarigo and her children, Jackson and Troy Briggs; and Elizabeth (Mehdi Manii) Bonarigo and their children, Marcus and Mae Manii.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Joseph Fiannaca; and nieces and nephews: Joseph (Kristin) Fiannaca and their children, Ryan, Katie, and Samantha Fiannaca; Greg (Amy Barone) Fiannaca; and Melissa (AJ) Kasmarek and their children, Jacob, Kelsey, and Andrew Kasmarek; In laws; Patty (Mike) Reich and their children, Kelly (Sarah) Reich and Adam (Sarah) Reich, and their children, Damon and Kenzie Reich.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia (use School Street entrance). Ben's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday (July 26, 2025) at 9:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Worship Site, 303 East Main Street in Batavia. Inurnment in the Garden Niches at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia will follow.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing are encouraged to make memorial contributions in Ben's name to either Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or the Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. to be sent to Nann K. Zorn, 12 River Street, Batavia, New York, 14020.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.