Arturo Oqueli Bonilla

Arturo Oqueli Bonilla, 85, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024 after bravely battling dementia for 13 years. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 50 years, Favourite, beloved children and grandchildren, cherished nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Arturo embodied ambition, selflessness, and an unyielding work ethic. Born in Tocoa, Honduras to Mercedes Flores and Leonidas Bonilla and raised in Savannah Bight, he was the youngest boy in a household of sisters, Francisca "Chica," Alba, Elena and Consuelo and Mariano, who was raised up with him like a brother. His oldest sister Chica played a big role in raising him after his mother died when he was 5 months old. Despite facing early hardships, Arturo displayed remarkable resilience. He completed only fourth grade due to the scarcity of teachers on his island but he still managed to find opportunities for work and growth.

At 16, he found work on a merchant ship, forging a lifelong friendship with Adrian McLaughlin, who took him under his wing and treated him like a brother. He worked to help support his dad and family back home, feeling a great responsibility to help as much as he could. He later settled in Boston, learning English by reading Spanish and English newspapers side-by-side.  He worked in Boston doing odd jobs between ship assignments and knew he wanted the American dream, working to eventually obtain his citizenship. He later moved to Miami, which would be his home for the rest of his life.

In 1974, he started dating  Favourite, who he had known for years, and confidently proclaimed that he would marry her after their first official date. After they married, he worked tirelessly to bring her to the United States from Honduras, which he finally accomplished when she was 7 and a half months pregnant with their first child, Liza.

He worked for decades as a union painter and took pride in making sure his own home was freshly painted every year.  He was also very handy, so much so that he was able to build an addition onto his home so his daughters could have their own rooms, raise a floor and run plumbing and electricity inside the house so his wife didn't have to go outside to do laundry. Yes, his family knew hot was cold and vice versa but they were also impressed that a man with no formal training could do so much.

His acts of kindness were boundless, from shielding mail carriers from the rain to aiding family in need and feeding all of the stray cats in the neighborhood.   Despite not having a lot of education, he instilled the importance of getting a good education in his kids.

He was not the kind of man to show affection but you knew he loved you if he got after you about gaining weight and told you to "stop eating so much," while also handing you a big plate of food that he cooked himself.

Throughout his life, Arturo remained a pillar of strength and support for his loved ones. Even as dementia dimmed his faculties, his love and care for his family remained unwavering.  On good days, he would tell his "Favita" how much he loved her and thank her for taking such good care of him.

Special thanks to his beloved nieces Odalma and Norma for always knowing how to win his heart (with their food! ;), and to all of you who called, texted, prayed for him and came by to visit throughout his illness. Last but not least, thank you to the Vitas staff, Dr. Mirza Saad, Nurse Hanny, Kenny, and others for your loving care over the past few years.  We appreciate you more than you know.

In remembrance of Arturo's legacy, your presence and fond memories of the mark he left on this world is all that's requested. If you wish to do more, we ask that donations be made the Dementia Society of America. Though he may be gone, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his warmth, wisdom, and love.