SALEM – Mr. Kenneth Paul Bonacci, 85, of Salem, beloved husband of Constance Louise Seidl, died Monday, July 15th, 2024 with his loving family by his side.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Peter and Teresa (Lizio) Bonacci. He was raised and educated in Beverly and was a graduate of Beverly High School, class of 1957. Later in life, he continued his education at UMass Boston.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country proudly as a member of the United States Navy in the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Petty Officer. His final duty was aboard the USS Searcher.

Ken had been employed with the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in the city of Beverly retiring in 1992 after thirty-four years in the service of the United States.

Ken held various part-time jobs, including as a driving school instructor and at the former Beverly Times newspaper. He was a trained crisis intervention counselor with Project Rap in Beverly.

In his retirement years, he worked as a school crossing guard in Beverly and served on the Salem Commission on Disabilities as secretary and later as a member. He was a tireless advocate for the disabled community.

Outspoken in his beliefs and convictions, Ken never hesitated to share his thoughts and opinions freely. He was a frequent contributor to the Op-Ed section of the Salem News and other outlets. He believed in the democratic process and the privilege of voting.

In his spare time, Ken was an avid candlepin bowler (always with a ball in each hand), a voracious reader and a diehard New England Patriots fan. A true travel and motorcycle enthusiast, Ken biked across the country and Canada.

Ken will be remembered for his love of  his wife and family, his wisdom and humor, as well as his patriotic devotion to America, especially his commitment to the VFW and to the POW/MIA cause.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Constance Seidl of Salem, his children, Peter Bonacci of Salem, John Bonacci of Beverly and Theresa Skelly and her husband, Gregg of Beverly, his granddaughter, Maggie Skelly and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Grace Casali, Geraldine "Babe" Forsythe and Lucille Flanagan. The late Jerry and Mimi Giancola were beloved family members whom he cherished.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Wednesday, August 7th at 11 A.M. Burial in North Beverly Cemetery. Visiting hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Ken's memory to the V.F.W. Witch City Post #1524, 95 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com