Thomas Henry Bonafair

Thomas (Tom) Henry Bonafair passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on May 20th, 2022 at his home in Albuquerque in the company of the love of his life and wife of 35 years, Cynthia (Cindy) Bonafair. He was a charismatic and distinguished leader, who built many businesses over the course of his career, but was most proud of the family he built over the course of his lifetime.

Born May 23, 1940 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Tom's early life in McAdoo, PA in his close-knit family lay the foundation for the constant devotion shown to his own family. Time with his extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews and in-laws established traditions and relationships that Tom treasured.

Tom attended Catholic grade school and served as an altar boy until graduating from McAdoo High School. This involvement led him to the Jesuits at University of Detroit, on a full football scholarship. He found brotherhood among his teammates and as President of the University's Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter. Tom went on to earn his MBA from the University of Michigan.

Tom began his professional career as a management trainee in 1964 with Ford Motor Co. He moved to the lights of New York City in 1965, where he was a brand manager at General Foods for KoolAid and Maxwell House Coffee, then moved on to become VP of Marketing and Sales for Beech-Nut Baby Food. Before the age of 40 he was President of Brentano's Bookstores, an international retail chain.

His career in beverages began in 1977, when he became VP of Sales for A&W Root Beer, followed by Exec. VP of Marketing and Sales for C&C Cola and COO for Northeast Coca-Cola Bottling Co.. Tom and Cindy made Albuquerque their home in 1985, when Tom became President and CEO of New Mexico Beverage Company, a distributor of Miller Beer and various imports. Tom negotiated the majority ownership of New Mexico Beverage Co. and served as Chairman and CEO until selling the company (2003), joining it with the Maloof family's Coors brands.

Ever curious and enthusiastic for new challenges, Tom continued his career pursuing a range of business interests, including owner and CEO of Pella Windows and Door distributorships (in NM and FL); Interim CEO for Passare, Inc an end-of-life software company.; Interim CEO for a beverage innovation by Maloof Ventures; Advisor to El Pinto retail salsa products; and Founding Partner of Sandia Capital Partners, LLC. He was a great student of corporate and military leadership and read a vast collection of biographies.

In recognition of his acumen and fervor for businesses and entrepreneurs, Tom served on numerous boards, including The Anderson School of Management at University of New Mexico, Manzano Day School and DreamSpring (formerly Accion), and was appointed to the New Mexico State Private Equity Investment Committee and the State Investment Council. He was generous with his time, teaching as an adjunct Professor at UMass and UNM in Marketing and Mergers & Acquisitions. His philanthropy focused on education, including a program to help build a culture of philanthropy through Community Builders Student Foundation Grants.

Tom loved life and it loved him back. His passion for his experiences in travel, sports and cooking was infectious. He was unapologetically himself and his warmth, sense of humor and authenticity brought out those qualities in those around him. He collected friends, like he collected whiskeys, ties, and unforgettable meals. He was a storyteller, he had a sparkle in his eye that could fill and hold a room.

Many of Tom's favorite pastimes were spent at his home in Nantucket. He loved dips in the ocean, daily bike rides, full dinner tables and sunsets and cigars on the porch. Above all, Tom loved his family deeply and profoundly. A legend long before his passing, Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his beloved wife Cindy, and his three children, Tom II, Phillip (wife Heidi) and Sara Schoemer (husband Nicolas). Predeceased by his parents Samuel and Helen (Kordish) Bonafair and sister, Dolores.

A memorial and celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 4th. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to, may make a contribution to the Albuquerque Community Foundation at the Tom Bonafair Memorial Fund (see link: https://albuquerquecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=4498) or mail to 624 Tijeras Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102.

Please visit our online guestbook for Tom at www.FrenchFunerals.com