For their contributions in the local business community and charity work, the Bonura family was honored Thursday as the Family of the Year during
the Family Services annual awards dinner. The awards dinner, which is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Family Services Inc., honors families who have made lasting contributions to the local community. About 300 people attended the event, which is in its 19th year, at the Grandview in the City of Poughkeepsie. “The Bonura family has made many contributions to the community,” said Susan West, the president of Family Services. “Most of their family members participate on the boards of many nonprofits. A big reason that we chose them is that their daughter-in-law Whitney, who is married to Joe Bonura Jr., worked with us through our crime victims program. They’ve also helped man nonprofit organizations who used their facilities for events at the Poughkeepsie Grand and the Grandview.” The Bonuras own several restaurants and catering facilities in Poughkeepsie and Orange County, including the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and Conference Center The Grandview and Shadows on the Hudson, which are both in the City of Poughkeepsie and Anthony’s Pier 9, in New Windsor. The family consists, in part, of Joseph Sr., who is the founding businessman Mary, his wife Mary, their daughter, who is the catering manager at Shadows Brent Caster, her husband, who is the general manager of The Grandview Joseph Jr., the eldest son, the project manager who oversees all waterfront developments Whitney, his wife Michael, the younger son, who is general manager of Anthony’s Pier 9 and Jennifer, his wife, who is the family accountant. “Family Services is a great organization and we’re honored,” Joseph Bonura Sr. said. “My entire business has involved family since 1972, when we opened our first Perkins Pancake House, and it’s continued on with the next generation.” Family Services, which began in 1879, is an organization that links families in Dutchess and Ulster counties with counseling, support and development opportunities.
Joe and Mary Bonura and family were honored by Family Services at a ceremony at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie on Thursday. They are pictured with their children, Mary, second from left, her husband Brent, far left. Brent and Mary’s children, Joseph, 9, and Jenna, 7. Michael, 4th from right, and his wife, Jennifer. Second from right is Joe Jr. and his wife Whitney. (Darryl Bautista/Poughkeepsie Journal)