Friends,
I have tragic news to report regarding our longtime leader, amazing friend, and irreplaceable colleague, Mike Bondanza. Mike was diagnosed with cancer in January 2022. He had an operation to have the cancer removed, took some time off work, but managed to make a full recovery.
He decided to retire on June 30, 2022. He immediately joined our Board of Directors and helped out a couple days a week to ensure that the operation was still running smooth in his absence. He was able to spend his brief retirement with his family and friends boating, fishing, traveling and enjoying life.
When he went back for his regularly scheduled six-month screening in November, the doctors noticed something that worried them. He went in for a biopsy to have the area of concern looked at. His cancer had returned, but he appeared to be doing fine and it would be addressed after the holidays.
We had a call scheduled for Wednesday, December 28th to review some year-end items that he had to cancel. He was having trouble breathing and had to go to the hospital. Over the next two weeks his health continued to deteriorate quickly, and shocking to all of us, he died yesterday at 2:52 pm.
There is no way to put into words the impact that Mike had on me personally and all of us here at SJP Federal Credit Union. He was loved by all, had tons of friends, and impacted so many lives.
His memorial will be held this Friday (1/13) at Amigone Funeral Home (2600 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda, NY 14150) from 3-8 pm.
Please join us there to commemorate a great man, who gave so much to our credit union and please continue to send all your thoughts and prayers to his family.
Regards,
Manager & COO
SJP Federal Credit Union
