Community Corner

Riding for the 'Rev.'

A bike ride benefitting the daughter of a late firefighter ended at Lake Zoar Drive-In in Monroe.

Rows of bikes were parked outside Lake Zoar Drive-In on Route 34 in Monroe on a drizzly Sunday afternoon, and men wearing Red Knights jackets listened to live music.

The motorcycle riding association of firefighters had just completed an 80-mile ride to benefit the daughter of the late firefighter Jimmy "Rev." Bonazzo of Trumbull, who lost his battle with cancer last September.

Bonazzo was a retired Bridgeport firefighter. The bike ride raised funds to allow his daughter, Neve, 13, to go to college when she's older.

"The 'Rev.' was a very dear member of our chapter," said Bob Menker, president of Red Knights Chapter 7 in Seymour. "We wanted to do something that would benefit his daughter."

The Red Knights often raise money for charity and have held events for St. Jude Children's Hospital and Spooner House.

Despite the rain, 23 Red Knights rode in the event on Sunday, each making a donation to participate. At the end of the ride there were raffles and music from a deejay, Jimmy Richmond, a Bridgeport firefighter.

Musical act Jackie Meeker & Rick Masi performed live at Lake Zoar Drive-In.

Michael Basso, owner of the drive-in, went to school with Bonazzo and had decided to host the festivities after the bike ride.

Shirley, Bonazzo's wife of 13 years, and Neve greeted the Red Knights at Lake Zoar Drive-In after the ride. Shirley said her daughter wants to be a marine biologist when she grows up.

"He was an amazing man," Shirley said of her late husband. "He had so many friends. They did a rally here for him two days before he died and about 400 bikes showed up."

When Shirley was back home with the "Rev." in Trumbull, the couple heard rumbling outside.

Shirley smiled and said, "All the bikes were riding by our house."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here