Angelo Bona, formerly of Floral Park, died at 85 on May 3, 2012, in West Palm Beach, FL. A WWII veteran, Angelo lived and worked in Floral Park as well as in the surrounding areas for over 50 years. Although a painting contractor by trade, he enrolled in art classes at the Art Students League in Manhattan and his hard work and talent earned him a two-year scholarship.
He left the house painting business to pursue his personal expression in fine art. Angelo’s building on Tulip Avenue, Floral Park, which once headquartered the house painting business, became a private art studio in which he pursued and developed his passion. Local residents would often see his latest sculptures displayed in front of the studio: Angelo’s large and unique abstract art pieces were known as somewhat of a landmark throughout Floral Park.
As a highly sought-after sculptor, Angelo was commissioned to sculpt dozens of portraits, most notably, a bronze portrait of New York Yankee pitcher Whitey Ford; a bronze portrait of Francis Purcell, former Nassau County executive; a bas-relief of Thomas S. Gulotta, also a former Nassau County executive; a bronze portrait of his mentor and former teacher, V.K. Jonynas.
For a decade, the award-winning artist taught sculpture class at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor. Angelo loved sharing his excitement for art through public exhibits, workshops and demonstrations at local libraries and at universities. He appeared on public television to demonstrate the process of creating a sculpture and was interviewed in print and on radio.
Angelo’s works of art reside in private collections throughout the United States and in Europe.
His family will continue to share their father’s art with the public through public exhibits, donations and charitable efforts. Angelo Bona is survived by five children and three grandchildren.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his name should be sent to: http://www.theart studentsleague.org/Give.aspx.
