South San Francisco, CA May 30, 2018 Submitted by Dr. Steven Dugoni
Dr. Bona was a pediatric dentist and our community for approximately 45 years and treated many children in South San Francisco.
Dr. Charles Henry Bona II passed peacefully from this world to His eternal home with Jesus Christ on May 28, 2018. Welcoming him there were his father, Charles Henry Bona I, his mother Mildred (Pat), and his brother Richard.
Charles (Chuck) was born in San Francisco, California and was proud of his Italian heritage. His father ran a successful family wholesale floral business in the early 1900’s. He graduated from Riordan High School in San Francisco, and went on to earn an undergraduate degree (finishing early) from Saint Mary’s University, Moraga. Chuck continued his education and earned a Doctorate degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, what is now the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in Stockton.
Among his many accomplishments, Chuck was a Pediatric Dentist and one of the original Founding Mission Road Dental Partners in South San Francisco. He cared tenderly for the countless families he served in private practice for over 45 years. He also enjoyed the honor of serving as President of the California Dental Association, and felt privileged to serve his country as a Major in the United States Army National Guard. Chuck had the joy of participating in the graduation of his granddaughter, Samantha, from dental school, and also took great pride in watching his daughter-in-law Catalina thrive in a successful dental practice of her own.
Chuck loved to travel and see new places and was especially “at home” in or on the water; he enjoyed many years at Konocti Harbor Inn at Clear Lake with his family. Chuck loved nothing more than laughter around a bountiful meal table with family and friends. His family was his pride and joy! In addition to his brother Philip and sisters-in-law Letrice and Mary, Charles is survived by his beloved Fran and children: Patricia Bona Menzel, Fred Menzel, Charles Henry Bona III and Catalina Phan Bona, Karen Bona Grable and Joseph H. Grable Sr., Laurene Bona Sheridan, and Tom Sheridan. Charles was also a proud “Papa” to 12 beautiful grandchildren: Samantha, Kristen, Joseph Jr., Elizabeth, Corrine, Fred Jr., Laura, Kate, Josie, Tyler, Charles H. (Hunter) IV, and Bella. He was also blessed with two great-children: Emma and Edward.
Friends and Family are invited to a Celebration of Life Mass at 12:00 pm on Friday, June 8 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Burlingame, California. There will be a reception immediately following in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Donations for dental care for low income children: https://
University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry http://www.dental.
I feel terrible I didn’t know about his passing sooner. Dr Bona was my dentist for many years & I can still remember sitting in a chair looking at that view & the little coo-coo click on the wall or the fish tanks in the waiting room. He always made me so comfortable & at ease that I actually enjoyed going to the dentist at that time. When you were all finished, there was a container of little things you were able to pick from.
Dr. Bona was my dentist from age 5-19 when I got married and moved from SSF to San Diego
I too learned so much about the man who was my dentist until I reached adulthood; when it was very kindly suggested that maybe it was time for me to find an adult dentist. 🙂 What can I say, Dr. Bona was a wonderful dentist – I always loved how kind he was (as was everyone in his office) and the way he would hum while checking my teeth.
He will be remembered fondly, and my thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
I don’t think I knew Dr Bona was a veteran. Belated thanks to his family for his service to our country & also the wonderful care he gave my kids as patients. Chuck was always so kind & caring with our family. I could tell he put his heart into his profession. Rest In Peace & heartfelt condolences to the family