Diane Bonafas

Diane (Danae Gianakellis) Bonafas, 91, of Newport died on December 20, 2025 at Village House Nursing Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas Bonafas, to whom she was married for 53 years.

Born in Newport, RI, she was the daughter of the late George and Dorothea (Maniates) Gianakellis. Her parents were each from Mytilene, Greece, having met and married in Lynn, MA in October, 1917. Her parents and older siblings later relocated to Newport, where their father opened his candy store, the Newport Candy Kitchen. She grew up a true child of Newport, first on William Street and then moving to Ann Street as a young child, both of which were near her father's candy store.

She fondly remembered her early years growing up in Newport, especially of her father's candy store. A favorite memory of hers was when at Christmas time she and her sisters Mary and Catherine would help to make the candy canes. Although she said she got pretty good at it, her skills could never surpass those of her sister Mary, who excelled at making the perfect "hook" on the candy canes, and only the perfect ones would do for their father!

As a teenager, she, along with her younger sister Artemis, worked at the People's Public Library at what is now the Edward King House. Later, she worked at J.J. Newberry's on Thames Street, where her older sisters Mary and Catherine (and her brother-in-law Wally) had previously worked. Following her marriage, she was the bookkeeper for her husband's business, the Crown Bar and Grill. Following its closure, she worked in the cafeteria at Sheffield School. Diane was a graduate of Rogers High School, Class of 1953.

She met her future husband Nick one fine summer's day at Easton's Beach, which is only fitting-since they each adored spending time at the beach. Following their marriage, they spent countless days each summer at First Beach, having a swim, a walk and spending time with their family and friends.

Diane was a devout member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church and a dedicated member of its choir, where she served many years, along with her sisters, cousin Paul and nieces. Her faith sustained her through her life's various trials.

She and her husband Nick raised their beloved niece Melpomeni (Meni) from a small child through her graduation from Middletown High School, after which she returned to Greece and became a teacher at the Merchant Marine Academy of Oinoussis.

Diane and her husband traveled many times to Nick's home island of Chios. She came to consider Nenita, her husband's village, a second home and she cherished her in-laws Despina and Nikolaos, as well as their children and her husband's extended family. They also enjoyed their time visiting with Meni and Fani while they lived in Oinoussis. Their summers in Chios were magical, with each day spent at a different beach, their favorite beach being at Komi. When they returned from Chios, they would always make sure they brought plenty of masticha. When travel no longer became possible, she looked forward to her frequent phone calls with her sister-in-law Despina.

Diane loved entering contests and playing bingo, especially in her later years. She was very lucky at the various contests she entered, so much so that her husband would not allow her to play the lottery, for fear that if she won, he would die from the shock of it. Prior to his passing, Diane and her husband Nick enjoyed getting their exercise through walking at the track at Middletown High School, as well as walks on the beach. Later in life, she treasured the frequent handwritten letters sent to her by her beloved niece Dorothea as well as the kind and steadfast support of her nephew Jimmy.

Besides her beloved husband, she was predeceased by her siblings Mary Gianakellis Whittle of Newport, Vermont; Catherine Gianakellis Violet of Newport, RI, Basil Gianakellis of Newport, Artemis Gianakellis Adamedes of Newport, RI, her dear cousin Paul Cotsoridis, and her brothers-in-law James Violet and Wally Whittle.

She is survived by her sister-and brother-law Despina and Nikolaos Delaveris of Chios, Greece; her brother-in-law Thomas Adamedes of Newport, RI, niece, Meni (Theofanis) Karantagli, nephew, Constantine (Anna) Delaveris; nephew, Dimitrios Delaveris; all of Chios, Greece; nieces Bonnie (Bill) Neacy of Groton, MA, Dorothea (Arthur) Kazianis of Cranston, RI, Margaret (Dale) Batey of Sullivan, ME, Dorothea (Wolfgang) Kelly of Charleston, SC, Zoe Adamedes of Providence, RI, and Elaine (Doug) Trainor of Newport, RI, her nephew James Violet (Jane) of Middletown, RI and many grandnieces and grandnephews both here and in Greece. They all mourn her passing and will miss her greatly.

Her funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, Thames Street, Newport. Her burial will follow at the Middletown Cemetery, Wyatt and Turner Roads in Middletown.

Calling hours will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, from 9 am - 11:00 AM at the church, just prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials donations may be made to St. Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840. The family would like to thank Fr. Aaron Walker for his steadfast love and support of Diane over the past eight years (especially during her recent illness) as well as the staff of Village House.

Additional information at www.memorialfuneralhome.com