Dec 9, 1932 — Oct 20, 2026
Leawood, Kansas
Nicholas F. “Nick” Bono II, a respected Kansas City businessman, United States Army veteran, devoted Catholic, and beloved patriarch of the Bono family, passed away peacefully at his home in Leawood, Kansas, on October 20, 2026, at the age of 93.
Throughout his life, Nick was known for his strong character, his steadfast dedication to his family, devotion to his faith life, and his willingness to help others. A man of conviction and determination, he earned the respect of those who knew him through his actions, his work ethic, and his devotion to the people and principles he valued.
Born December 9, 1932, to Nicholas F. Bono and Josephine (Jo-Jo) S. Bono, Nick grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1949 and attended Quincy College on a football scholarship, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1953.
While attending Quincy, Nick met Marguerite “Marge” Bartunek, who became his wife and lifelong companion. They were married for 62 years. Together “Papa Nick” & “Mimi” raised a close-knit family that prioritized frequent gatherings, celebrations, and traditions that brought generations of the Bono family together.
Nick served honorably in the United States Army3rd Armor Division, attaining the rank of Specialist Third Class. He and Marge were stationed in Germany and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Upon returning to the United States, Nick worked in sales before joining the Abbey-Simons Company in 1968. Through years of dedication and hard work, he advanced within the company and ultimately became its owner. He grew the business over the years until eventually retiring when he turned 90. Abbey Simons remains a family-owned business with second and third-generation family members continuing his legacy.
He was a businessman during the week, but on the weekends you would find him at his farm in Drexel, MO. He took great pride in working on his property: hunting, fishing, and tending to his garden and crops. The farm became the setting for countless family gatherings where everyone would fish, ride tractors, & roast hot dogs over the old brick firepit!
An avid golfer, Nick looked forward to his weekly rounds with a close-knit group of his friends. Their time together was as much about friendship, good-natured teasing, practical jokes, and friendly wagers as it was about golf. One of his proudest moments on the course came in April 2006, when he recorded a hole-in- one. He continued to play into his 80’s. When golf season ended, Nick enjoyed bird hunting with his brother Bud, his sons and close friends.
Nick’s Catholic faith always remained forefront in his life. A longtime parishioner of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, he served on the Parish Council and participated in numerous parish ministries.
Nick was instrumental in fundraising for and helping to build the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, KS. He supported and has been a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, since its inception in July 1999. He faithfully served on numerous community boards, supported pro-life organizations, including Vitae, and contributed many hours to helping grow the parish. In honor of his contributions, Nick was nominated and inducted as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Catholic order dedicated to supporting the Church and Christian communities in the Holy Land.
Nick was preceded in death by his wife, Marge; his parents, and his brothers Louis (Bud), Frank, and Jack Bono.
He is survived by his brother, Lieutenant Colonel Richard N. Bono, (USAF Ret.); his four children, Nicholas F. Bono III (Amy), Janet A. Adkins (Michael “Kipp”), Teresa M. Maher (Jim), and Michael F. Bono; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
His legacy lives on through his family, and the many lives he touched throughout his 93 years. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, 14251 Nall Avenue, Leawood, KS 6623 on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS.
Obituary published by Muehlebach Funeral Care.
