Samuel George Bonasso

Samuel George Bonasso, 85, of Morgantown, West Virginia, died Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Sundale Rehabilitation & Long Term Care from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Sam was born December 12, 1939, in Wyatt, West Virginia, a son of Pete and Chiara Bonasso, the last of five children. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Russell, Frank, and Louis, and his sister Lucille Morgan.

He was a faithful parishioner at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church. 

Sam earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from West Virginia University. In 1969, he founded Alpha Associates, a regional architectural and engineering consulting firm that served a wide range of public and private infrastructure needs throughout the state and region.

From 1998 to 2000, Sam served as West Virginia’s sixth Secretary of Transportation under Governor Cecil Underwood. In 2002, he was appointed a Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Transportation, a senior executive service role under the Bush Administration.

His public service extended to numerous boards and commissions, including the West Virginia United Health System, Rotary International, the West Virginia Engineers Registration Board, the Commission for Vocational and Technical Education, the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce Vision Project, the West Virginia Task Force for Children, Youth, and Families, and the Sons of Italy.

Sam was a professional engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, and businessman whose impact on infrastructure, policy, and civic life in West Virginia will be long remembered.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy Mowrey Bonasso, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Cremation arrangements have been provided. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Monday, July 7th from 5:00-7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, on Tuesday, July 8th from 10:00 Am until the time of the funeral mass at 11:00 AM with Rev. Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, S.T.D., as celebrant.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com