Obituary: Paul T. Bonomo, 75: Founded Cannondale Generators

Information and Photo Courtesy Bouton Funeral Home

WILTON, CT — Paul T. Bonomo, 75, lifelong Wilton resident, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on October 31, 2022.

Born January 11, 1947, to Paul W. Bonomo and Catherine “Kitty” Murphy, he attended Wilton Public Schools and graduated from Wilton High School, Class of 1964. He began his career as a part-time pharmacy clerk at local retailer Caldor, where his exceptional drive and work ethic led him to be the youngest store manager in company history. It also led him to the love of his life, his wife Yolanda, whom he met there and subsequently married in 1974.

Dissatisfaction with the corporate takeovers of the 1980s inspired him to forge his own career through sweat, hard work, and determination. In 1990, he founded Cannondale Generators, and grew the company from a small 8’x10’ office to the region’s largest provider of standby generator sales and service. He was fiercely proud of his company, and even prouder when his three sons continued his legacy by taking over the daily operations of the business upon his retirement in 2016.

Paul was a lifelong auto enthusiast, collecting and owning classic cars of various makes, types, and models. He was also a collector of all things great and small, and loved to say… “He who dies with the most toys wins.” An avid reader, he was a voracious consumer of books and magazines, and could most often be found quietly reading, surrounded by a small pile of automotive periodicals alongside his favorite mystery novels.

In addition to being a valued member of the local business community, he was also a devoted 3rd generation Wiltonian. Whether volunteering for Minks to Sinks, hosting Homecoming float construction at his garage, planning Wilton High School class of ‘64 reunions, or sponsoring local youth sports teams, he could always be counted on to lend a hand for a town event.

Those who knew him best will remember him for his generosity, his gruff-yet-lovable demeanor, his sense of humor, and most importantly, his love of family. He is survived by his wife Yolanda; his three sons, William, Paul, and Stephen; their spouses Timothy Daly, Stephanie Bonomo, and Ania Bonomo; and his 6 grandchildren, Holly, Henry, Kitty, Darcy, Dominick, and George.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held Friday, November 11, 10:00am, at Sacred Heart Church in Georgetown CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to CTF Fund for Smilow Cancer Center.