FSU's Monk Bonasorte passes away after battling brain cancer
Monk Bonasorte, the former Florida State All-America football player who later became one of the most influential and beloved figures in the school's athletic department, has passed away after battling brain cancer for more than a year. He was 59.
Bonasorte, FSU's senior associate athletic director for internal operations, made his fight with cancer public in October 2015. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and their two adult sons, T.J. and Rocky.
Family members confirmed his passing on social media early Sunday morning.
"This isn't easy to say, but I lost my role model, inspiration and most importantly my father tonight," T.J. Bonasorte posted on his Facebook page.
"Don't be sorry for our loss," Beverly Bonasorte posted on her page. "Having Monk in our lives was nothing but a win-win. The boys and I will miss him in our daily lives but rejoice in our great fortune. Thank you Jesus for our remarkable journey."
Monk's final public appearance came Oct. 29 when he was named an honorary captain for FSU's game against Clemson at Doak Campbell Stadium. Bonasorte was honored prior to the game and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
He was greeted before the game by a long line of former FSU players and coaches, and several Clemson coaches and administrators also visited with him on the Seminoles' sideline.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Bonasorte was originally a walk-on defensive back who went on to be a star of the Seminoles' secondary from 1977 through 1980. He recorded seven tackles in 11 games as a freshman yet really made his mark the following year. Bonasorte finished his sophomore year with 72 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Bonasorte's junior year saw him finish with 64 tackles and eight interceptions, and he was later named a second-team All-American by The Associated Press. His final season ended with Bonasorte recording 55 tackles and four interceptions. That year, he was named a Football News second-team All-American and AP All-American honorable mention.
His 15 career interceptions remain the second-most by a player in school history.
Bonasorte, who was inducted in 1995 into the school's Hall of Fame, joined the athletics department staff in 2008 after serving as the president and executive director of the Florida State University Varsity Club.
Warchant.com would like to extend our condolences to the Bonasorte family and all who knew Monk well.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA STATE
A Message from FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox
It is with a heavy heart we share the news of the passing of our wonderful co-worker and friend Monk Bonasorte.
"I am heartbroken to share the news that Monk has passed,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox. “Monk was a loyal, dependable giant of an athletics administrator whose hard work and dedication to Florida State and Florida State Athletics extended into the larger FSU and collegiate athletics communities.
Monk was a devoted, highly-respected athletics staff member who was beloved by all who came to know him.
He spoke as an alumnus, a former football student-athlete, an FSU Hall of Fame student-athlete (#42) and a passionate administrator who worked tirelessly to make Florida State athletics the best that it could be.
His strength, experience and courage were invaluable.
FSU may have lost one of its brightest stars but the legacy that Monk leaves will endure in all of our hearts and minds forever.
Our thoughts are with Beverly, TJ, Rocky, and the entire Bonasorte family.
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