Steve Bonfanti.. Bengal bar owner , dies

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Steve M. Bonfanti, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on January 4, 2019 following a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born and raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from Baton Rouge High School. After high school, he joined the Army and served as an air traffic controller. Immediately following, he opened the well-known Bengal Lounge on Highland Road in 1961. He owned and operated the Bengal for 32 years, and was involved in commercial real estate in and around South Louisiana for many, many years. Steve was a Baton Rouge icon, always knowing someone wherever he went. With his smile and warmth, he never met a stranger and could talk to anyone and everyone. From parish priests, to politicians, to physicians, to random people on the street, people loved to share stories of their time at the Bengal, and loved to reminisce about the roast beef and hot-sausage po-boys, curly cue fries, humdinger plates for a dime, and penny pitchers. Many tell his family they still picture Steve behind the bar or in the kitchen. Steve created a place that brought together so many people, a lot of whom became friends for life. Steve was a long time parishioner at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. He loved to cook, bake, collect wine, hunt and entertain his family and friends. He loved the outdoors. He hated the cold, yet loved to in Nebraska in December. Steve is survived by his wife, Brenda Bonfanti; his three daughters, Leigh (Charles) Sasser, Brindly (David) Downs and Mary Michael (Michael) LeLiever; four step-children, Ron Clayton, Stephanie (John) Crawford, Andrew (Darah) Rafaleowski and Cody Rafaleowski; ten grandchildren, Charley and Cecilia Sasser, Ella Claire Down, Hayes and Bennett LeLiever, Nelson Clayton, Jane-Elsie and Mary Clayton Crawford and Gracie and Gunner Rafaleowski; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Steve M. Bonfanti Sr. and Virginia Dimattia Cline; and brothers, Joe Bonfanti and Dominic Bonfanti. The vigil will be held Tuesday, January 8, from 5-8 pm with the Rosary said at 8pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Wednesday, January 9, from 9 am – 12 pm with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Aloysius Catholic Church at 12pm with burial services immediately following at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

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