Anthony James Michael DeBonis, 15, of Derry, NH, passed away Thursday January 30, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Salem, MA on August 10, 2004, a son of John and Stephanie (McDonald) DeBonis, and older brother of Charlie Debonis. Anthony was a student at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, Class of 2022 where he was an Honor student, and a member of the JLU club, which centered around kids with disabilities. When he attended Grinnell Elementary school in Derry the staff affectionately referred to him as the Mayor, because he talked to and was friends with everyone in and outside his grade level. He loved Boy Scouts, attending for a total of 7 years, starting as a cub scout in pack #402, achieved his arrow light, and graduated to Boy Scout Troop #402. He loved to read. He especially enjoyed The Hunger Games and Wonder which he read 3 times.
Anthony was a huge Boston Sports fan, and especially loved the Red Sox. He had an uncanny ability to recall sports statistics. He also had an amazing sense of humor. He loved to make those around him laugh no matter how bad he may have been feeling. Anthony was overall an amazing young man, who truly believed that family always came first no matter what. He will leave a lasting legacy of love and laughter for all those lives he touched during his short life. Those he deemed his favorites were known as nuggets and he will remain their favorite nugget.
He is survived by his parents, John and Stephanie, his younger brother, Charlie DeBonis; paternal grandfather, John DeBonis, Sr. and his wife Connie; maternal grandmother, Priscilla McDonald; godparents, Michael and Kelly Papageorgiou; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Janet DeBonis and maternal grandfather Robert E. McDonald.
Calling hours were held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 3 - 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. Funeral services were held on Wednesday February 5, 2020 at 10:00am at the Londonderry United Methodist Church, followed by a luncheon at the Londonderry Lions Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or https://www.dana-farber.org/
Anthony always had to have the last words – Love you more!