Type Of Business:
Contracting company
Major Product/SVS:
Home renovation and restoration; Shipbuilding; Grand Banks transportation services; Woodwork
Hobbies/Sports:
Restoring historic ships
Education Degrees:
Pursuing Coursework in Church History; Bachelor of Science in Practical Engineering, University of Stuttgart; Degree in English and Theology, Università degli Studi di Milano; Degree in Psychology and History; Coursework in Theology, Seminary, Darlington; Coursework in Theology and Archeology, Oxford; Coursework in Theology, Worldwide; Training in Aeronautics, Miami Dade College; Training, U.S. Marine Corps; Training in Life Underwriting
Affiliations Awards:
Fraternal Congress; Better Business Bureau; American Automobile Association
Place of Birth:
Cliffside Park
Industry:
Home Renovations & Woodworking
State/Country of Origin:
NJ/USA
Children's Names:
Mark, Gina, Larry, Lisa
Date of Distinction:
11/12/2009
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
If Mr. Bonagura could have lunch with someone, he would not choose one person, but a series of people that tried to make the world a little bit better. He believes that people like Mother Theresa and Gandhi are remembered not for what they achieved, but because they tried.
Expanded Biography:
Mr. Bonagura believes that we are in fact stronger than the weakest one among us and that if we live only for ourselves, then we are nothing. For without the desire to share, we become self-centered. There is a Greek saying he likes that states, ‘I have climbed Mt. Olympus and sat with the gods and know all things and see all things, but alas it is all worthless without someone to share it with.’ He did not survive this long by his own wits, but by those that carried him when he could not carry himself. He is here because of what he has been given by others. Now, he believes that it is his turn to give, teach and share so that those who come after him may become more than he is. Mr. Bonagura has a burning desire to know. It is through knowledge that he has achieved any success at all. He has a constant wandering lust to understanding the world he lives in.
Number Of Years In Profession:
53
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his integrity and trustworthiness.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession because of his passion for working on mahogany and teak wood.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Bonagura has worked on digs in Massada and Armenian cave churches, sailed around the world, worked in support of the deep freeze expedition to the South Pole, and raced Grand Prix cars and motorcycles. As he grows older, so does his responsibility to inspire. He tries to set an example. If he has achieved anything, he thinks it is that most people find him to be a good and decent man in a world of takers. He views himself as a successful man, not in terms of achievement or monetary gain, but in effort. When he asked his grandfather how to be successful, his grandfather replied, "The measure of a man is not how much money he has accumulated or what he has attained, but whether or not he has tried at all." Mr. Bonagura has tried to live a full life. Although he has not always succeeded in his endeavors, he has tried. He believes that life is a series of moments and advises that one cherish all the good moments in one's life, and not allow the bad ones to control one's life. He is indebted to his grandmother, who expected the best from him; his father and mother, who taught him that love can last forever; his wife, who has given him a true understanding of how deeply love can be felt; and those who have helped him get where he is today. He began flying at the age of 5. He has 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Overseeing all aspects of wood and marble construction, including the modification, repair, renovation and restoration of old and new ships
Education Certifications:
Master's License, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Master Agent, ShipRite; Certified Counselor, Fraternal Congress; Certification in Commercial Piloting; Certification in Flight Engineering
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Mr. Bonagura hopes to work on special projects, either on ships or buildings, by mentoring members of the crew in the techniques and skills that he has learned over the years.