It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Timothy Bononno, who passed away on July 19, 2026 at the age of 55 in Morristown, New Jersey.

Born on July 29, 1970 in Morristown, New Jersey, Mike lived a life defined by laughter, kindness, generosity, and determination. He wasn’t someone who waited for opportunities, he created them, with the belief that anything was possible with enough hard work. Mike grew up in Long Valley, New Jersey, and graduated from West Morris Central High School in 1988, Mike went on to complete his apprenticeship through IBEW local 102. After being an electrician for many years, he became an electrical contractor and created his own business, MTB Electric. Life was not always easy for Mike, although he faced challenges from a young age, he never once let them define him. He met every challenge with a solution, resilience, and determination. He worked tirelessly to create opportunities for himself, and those around him.

Outside of his professional success, Mike found his greatest joy in the simple moments of life. He was happiest on the water. He had a deep love and passion for ocean fishing on his Regulator boat. On the water, he felt the most free, found the most peace, and made countless memories with family and friends. He was always eager to share his catch and create new recipes for the family to enjoy. Mike had a remarkable way of finding reasons to celebrate life. He didn’t need a special occasion; he would make an ordinary Monday into something worth celebrating. Any day was reason enough to gather the people he loved, fire up the grill, hit some golf balls, and sip on a patron margarita (on the rocks no salt). Whether it was impromptu barbeques, planning spontaneous trips or dreaming up his next project, he had a way of making everyday moments unforgettable. Above all else, Mike was the heart and glue of his family. He brought everyone together, filled the room with laughter, and created countless unforgettable memories.

More than anything, Mike cherished family and friends. Aside from fishing, Mike enjoyed golf, travel, working on new projects and will be remembered for his humor, work ethic, fun times, and family and friends.

Mike is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Thorpe Bononno; his parents, Tim and Lisa Bononno; his children, Brett (Riana) and Grace; his stepchildren Nick (Jina), and Julia (Dave), and his step brother Jake (Alyssa), his cherished grandchildren; Brynn and Reese; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda (Murray) Bononno, mother Joanne (Estler) Bononno, sister Michelle (Bononno) Banholzer.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, July 23 at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St. Hackettstown, NJ from 3 – 8 pm.

The funeral is Friday, July 24^th, at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church, 265 West Mill Rd. Long Valley at 10:30 am. Followed by the burial services at German Valley Cemetery on Coleman Road in Long Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Julie Berntsen Memorial Scholarship of Dreams https://www.gofundme.com/f/2026-IN-MEMORY-OF-MICHAEL-T-BONONNO and AIM Melanoma Foundation for continued research and a potential cure https://support.aimatmelanoma.org/campaign/756519/donate in Mikes memory.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, hospice staff and medical team  for their compassionate care and support.

Mike will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.  May he rest in peace.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St. Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/