Fred Bonacorda, 82

Fred Bonacorda, 82 Fred Bonacorda, 82, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away peacefully at Bay Pines VA Hospice on March 2nd, 2016 after a short illness, with his wife of 55 years and his family by his side. Born in Brooklyn, NY on Christmas Day, he was a long time resident of East Windsor, NJ before moving to Florida. Fred served in the US Army for six years, where he joined the boxing team while stationed in Germany, before marrying his wife Geraldine on a beautiful summer day in 1960. Everyone who knew Fred would agree he followed no one and forged his own path in life. Notably, in the early 70’s, leaving behind his business, Remz Produce, he moved his wife and 5 kids from Brooklyn, NY to a farm in the middle of “nowhere” NJ. He pursued a mid-life career change when he decided to follow his dream and become a successful Thoroughbred horse breeder, trainer and the owner of Honey Hill Farm. Fred became a familiar face in local winner’s circles. In 1987 he was honored when his yearling filly, Slew of Roses, granddaughter of Seattle Slew, was judged Grand Champion by the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of New Jersey. Even in retirement he could not stay away from the racetrack and became the owner of a family of Greyhound dogs racing at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, FL. One of Fred’s greatest pleasures was sharing his love of horses with his family and friends. Having his grandchildren visit, play (and be put to work) on the farm, and going to the track with him was priceless. He will be remembered for his generous ways, making everyone feel welcome and always having a smile on his face. Fred taught by example to follow your dreams and never be afraid to take a chance. He is probably surprised that Willie Nelson outlived him. Predeceased by his parents and siblings, Fred is survived by his wife Geraldine (Fitzgerald) of St. Petersburg, FL, sons Fred & his wife Deborah of East Windsor, NJ, Jeffrey and his wife Kathleen of East Windsor, NJ, John and his wife Carol of Hamilton, NJ, William and his wife Heather of Plainfield, IL, daughter Patricia (Horne) and her husband Jeffrey of Yardville, NJ, 10 grandchildren, Laura and Alexander Bonacorda, Jaclyn & Joseph Bonacorda, Vincent and Nicholas Bonacorda, Blake & Sophia Bonacorda, Thomas and Samantha Horne, and several nieces, nephews and extended family. Friends may attend a Celebration of Life being held on Derby Day, Saturday May 7th, 2016 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Huber-Moore Funeral Home, 517 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ. Memorial contributions can be made in Fred’s honor to: Bay Pines VAHCS, Hospice and Palliative Care Unit, Ward 5C, P.O. Box 5005, Bay Pines, Florida 33744.