Honorary Marshal Bonnie Palmiero

Bonnie was born on February 20· 1946 to Antonio and Lucia Zeolla in a small town in Italy named Castelvetere Val Fortore located in the Providence of Benevento which is about three hours south of Naples. At birth she was named Abbondanza Zeolla after their towns patriotic saint Maria S.S.Della Abbondanza. She has one younger sister who currently resides in Ridgefield, Connecticut whom she is very close with. As a child, Bonnie lived on a farm with her parents surrounded by her grandparents and many other relatives. They worked hard on the farm and lived a simple but beautiful life in Italy.

In search of the "American Dream" Bonnie and her parents left many relatives behind in Italy, and boarded a ship named Andea D'Oro heading to America which arrived in the USA on February 11,1956. After arriving they settled in the Bronx, NY joining the family members that came before them. Her dad found work as a construction worker and mom a dressmaker providing for their family. She attended the fourth grade in the Bronx and although she was not familiar with the English language, was able to excel in school, especially in math. After about just three months she started to read and enjoyed going to the library. She loved school.

Bonnie was able to graduate high school early, received a scholarship for accounting to Barnard Baruch College which she attended fulltime for only year and half before having to get a job. She worked for a dress manufacturing company in Manhattan as a bookkeeper and finished her education at night school. Also, during this time, she had the great privilege of becoming a US citizen and official changed her name to Bonnie. She thanks god every day for America and feels it is an honor to be a citizen of this beautiful country of ours!

In 1966, Bonnie married her husband, George Palmiero, and purchased their first home in the Bronx. They were later blessed with four sons, Anthony, George, Pat and Tom. Continuing to pursue the American Dream, in 1972, they moved to Mahopac to provide a better life for their children. Her children became her pride and joy enjoying and always celebrating their lives achievements.

Bonnie spent many years working in the supermarket industry as a bookkeeper for Grand Union and Stop and Shop. During this time of her life, she met many life-long friends and enjoyed interacting with the customers on a daily basis. She decided to retire in 2014 to spend more time with her family.

After retiring Bonnie loves spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She has four granddaughters and four grandsons who she refers to as her" Princesses and Princes". She cherishes the time with family and enjoys having them over for dinner. Christmas Eve is always a special time at Bonnie's home where the whole family gathers to enjoy the delicious "7 Fish" dinner that she has mastered throughout the years. She is happiest when surrounded by her family and friend and simply enjoys being together!

Bonnie has been an active member of the Italian American Club of Mahopac since 2005 where she enjoys volunteering and spending time with other members. She often talks about the great friends she's made and good times she has at the club events.

Bonnie is proud to have been chosen for The 2025 Honorary Grand Marshal for the Columbus Day Festivities. She would like to sincerely thank everyone at The Italian American Club of Mahopac.