Dr. Gary J. Bonitatibus

Dr. Gary J. Bonitatibus, 62, of New Boston, NH passed in his sleep at home on July 7, 2021 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his wife by his side. He suffered for years with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), a progressive painful disease with no treatment or cure. Dr. Bonitatibus was born in Marlborough MA. He moved in jr/sr high school to Syracuse NY before ending his senior year of high school in Atlanta. Dr. Bonitatibus enrolled in Emory University (Atlanta) through the early admission program. He was accepted to Harvard University and Stanford University for the doctoral program. Dr. Bonitatibus enrolled at Stanford and received his Ph.D. in Psychology.

"Dr. B" was a beloved former professor at Keene State College, published researcher, helicopter pilot and ordained minister from the interweb. He loved big dogs, sharing his home and heart with Bull Mastiffs to Akitas. He enjoyed listening to NHPR and tending his flower beds. His most proud accomplishment, aside from his doctorate degree from Stanford University, was being a bonus dad to his boys Elijah and Gabriel; he attended Boy Scout meetings, chaperoned school field trips, made boy trips on Disney Cruise Line, hosted boys-only weekly "Taco Tuesdays" and more. Gary was an "all-in" parent and husband - he was a deep romantic and would leave love notes for his wife Elaine in unassuming places like the flour bag or glove box in the truck. He loved holding hands. He was adventurous. He never knew where they were traveling and would say "I just follow her." He told everyone of his deep love for his wife and was known to brag that "she has a chop saw and knows how to use it!" Gary mentored many students and encouraged them to get involved in research and attend professional conferences. He enjoyed following their journeys over the years and many students stayed in touch. He was a popular colleague and involved in the Union, a member of various committees and for some years was the Department Chair of the Psychology Department. He will be deeply missed by all.

Dr. Bonitatibus is survived by his wife Elaine Bonitatibus of New Boston NH, bonus children Elijah Surrell of Pilot Mountain NC and Gabriel Surrell of New Boston NH, brothers Paul Bonitatibus and Joseph Bonitatibus of West Dennis MA, sister Susanne Bonitatibus of West Dennis MA and his precious fur babies Shin'Yù, Emma and Gwen. Dr. Bonitatibus is predeceased by his father John Bonitatibus, mother Cynthia (Gouveia) Bonitatibus and step/adopted mother Rose Bonitatibus.

As a reformed Catholic, self-proclaimed atheist and Pastafarian, Dr. Bonitatibus declined any memorial services and a private scattering of his mortal being will be held at a future date. The family requests you refrain from uprooting innocent flowers and instead search the couch and donate the change to the Arthritis National Research Foundation, 19200 Von Karman Ave, Suite 350, Irvine CA specifying DISH research in the name of Dr. Gary J. Bonitatibus.