Joe Bognanno, ’59, Enters Chapter Eternal

Brother Joseph M. Bognanno Jr., ’59, a lifelong banker, died Oct. 14, 2019, in Winterhaven, Florida. He was 82. 

He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 21, 1937, and lived most of his life in Des Moines, Iowa, and Canandaigua, New York. .

Brother Bognanno was a 1955 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. After being elected to the Iowa All State Football Team, he enrolled at  The University of Arizona where he played for the Wildcats on a football scholarship. He pledged Beta Phi 1955.

Following graduation from the University of Arizona, he served in the Air National Guard.

He was a  executive in financial services in his career, beginning at the Bank of America in Los Angeles, California, and retiring in 2008 from JP Morgan Chase in Rochester, New York.

Brother Bognanno cared for his sister Jane, who was born with Down Syndrome, and was the impetus for his staunch advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.

He served for several years on the board of directors at Ontario ARC, where Jane received services. He also served in a leadership role with NYSARC for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Terry; three children, and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services are being planned for May 2020 in Canandaigua. Donations may be made to Ontario County ARC or the Special Olympics.