It is with deep sadness that the family of John Stanley Bona announce his peaceful passing at home, listening to Mozart’s Requiem, on the 22nd of January 2026 at the age of 92.

Born in Toronto, John was the second born child of Valente and Zophia Bona (nee Boryczka). Raised in Toronto’s West End, he attended Central Technical School followed by obtaining a degree in architecture from the University of Toronto.

His architectural career initially took him to San Francisico but he returned to Toronto where he was involved with the design and building of numerous projects, his most precious being his family home in King City.
John was passionate about life, especially the arts. He loved classical music, ballet, museums and art galleries and took great pleasure in introducing others to these passions. He was a great sportsman, having played semi-pro baseball, winning the Hart House squash championship at U of T, taking up skiing in his 30s and continuing to play tennis well into his 80s.

John’s greatest and most important gift was his love and support of his family and friends. John was the ever-present coach, mentor and number one fan to his children, grandchildren and to many others. His quiet, selfless way of helping and encouraging had a profound impact on many.

Left to mourn him and to give thanks for his influence in their lives are his wife of 58 years, Jean, brother Edward (Grace), son Conrad (Yasmina), daughter Alicia (Jonathan), grandchildren Tristan, Celeste, Alba, Roman and Gianluca, in-laws Eugene (Mary Jane), Irene (Donald) and Carol, nephews and nieces Janine (Stephen), Donna, Carl (Melissa), Christine (Anwar), Tania (Richard) and Joanna (Roger). He was also the “great” uncle of Patrick, Lucia, Alison, Julia, Daniel, Marcus, Mathieu and Katherine. Good friends are far too many to mention but most remarkably, a friend for over 85 years to Lorne (Eva).

A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday 30th, January at Turner & Porter Funeral Home (Yorke Chapel), 2357 Bloor St W., Toronto.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday 31st, January at Turner & Porter Funeral Home (Yorke Chapel), 2357 Bloor St W., Toronto followed by a reception in the Balmoral Room at The Old Mill, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, M8X 1G5.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in John’s memory to The Alzheimers Society of Canada, Covenant House or Operation Smile.

He was known to many by different names, John, Janek, Tata, Uncle John, Wiochi and Dziadzi and for everyone who knew and loved him his absence is pronounced but we know that soon the sadness will be replaced by many wonderful and happy memories of the special man he was. He will be forever in our hearts.

Online condolences may be made at www. turnerporter.ca