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Coach Vic Bonuchi passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by victories and championships, but by the countless lives he influenced through football, wrestling, and baseball. A respected coach, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Vic was known for his unwavering standards, steady leadership, and the profound impact he had on generations of athletes.<\/p>\n
Vic’s coaching career touched countless lives. He is perhaps best remembered by generations of athletes as Coach Bonuchi of the Excelsior Springs Tigers, where he helped build successful programs and establish standards that endured long after the final whistle. He also served as a football coach at William Jewell College, a place that held special significance throughout his life. William Jewell was the alma mater of several members of the Bonuchi family and, most importantly, the place where Vic met the love of his life, JoAnn. Together, they built a partnership that spanned nearly 70 years, supporting one another through family life, athletics, faith, and service to their community.<\/p>\n
Throughout his coaching career, Vic built successful programs that competed at a very high level, but his greatest accomplishment was the culture he created. He believed that success was never accidental. Preparedness, discipline, accountability, and attention to detail were values he emphasized every day. His athletes always understood his expectations: be ready, work hard, and carry yourself with purpose.<\/p>\n
One of Coach Bonuchi\u2019s most enduring messages was simple: \u201cExpect to win.\u201d To him, those words were never about arrogance or guarantees. They reflected a mindset rooted in preparation, confidence, and belief in one another. He taught his teams to approach every practice, every challenge, and every competition with the expectation that their effort and commitment would put them in a position to succeed.<\/p>\n
Above all, Vic lived according to a guiding principle that shaped both his life and his coaching: \u201cLove God, love family, and then love the sport\u2014in that order.\u201d More than words, it was a philosophy he demonstrated daily. His faith provided his foundation, his family was his greatest source of pride, and sports became the avenue through which he served and inspired others.<\/p>\n
Former players remember Coach Bonuchi as demanding but fair, tough but deeply caring. He pushed athletes to reach their potential because he saw in them what they were capable of becoming. The lessons he taught extended far beyond the playing field. Discipline, resilience, humility, respect, and commitment became values that many carried with them throughout their lives.<\/p>\n
Vic was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, JoAnn Bonuchi, who passed away on September 4, 2025. JoAnn was far more than a coach\u2019s wife\u2014she was his steadfast partner, fiercest supporter, trusted confidante, and constant source of encouragement throughout his coaching career. Whether on the sidelines, in the stands, or behind the scenes, she shared in the mission of supporting young athletes and helping build the communities that meant so much to them both. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie Bonuchi.<\/p>\n
He is survived by his daughter, Viki Personett and her husband, Ken Personett; his son, Eddie Bonuchi; and a loving family that remained the center of his life.<\/p>\n
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jennifer Scoma and her husband, Barry; Mike Ruff and his wife, Lauren; Amy Brittain and her husband, Beau; Brandi Corbett and her husband, Trey; Kenny Personett and his wife, Ashley; Lindsey Personett and her husband, Jeremy; Shane Bonuchi; and Tori Bonuchi.<\/p>\n
Vic was blessed with many great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy: Monroe and Ruby Corbett; Lincoln and Oliver Personett; Hunter and Parker Scoma; Emma and Finn Ruff; Bella Brittain; and Grayson Bonuchi.<\/p>\n
Coach Bonuchi\u2019s influence cannot be measured solely by wins and losses. His legacy lives on in the athletes he mentored, the programs he built, the standards he established, and the family he loved so deeply. His example of faith, dedication, leadership, and service will continue to inspire future generations.<\/p>\n
Reunited with JoAnn, the love of his life and partner for nearly seven decades, Vic leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the playing field. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever honored by family, friends, former players, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.<\/p>\n
Celebration of Life\u00a0<\/strong> The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center at the high school.\u00a0 \u00a0The Celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by informal visitation\/ fellowship.<\/p>\n In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Excelsior Springs football, baseball or wrestling program.\u00a0 Checks can be made out to the Excelsior Springs High School Activity Department in memory of Coach Vic Bonuchi.\u00a0 Your generosity will honor Vic\u2019s legacy of service, mentorship and dedication to the students and athletes whose lives he touched throughout his amazing career.<\/p>\n Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.<\/p>\n
\nAs we prepare to celebrate the life of \u201cCoach\u201d Vic Bonuchi, we would love your help in honoring his incredible legacy.\u00a0 If you have photos, videos, memories, stories or messages about Vic that you would be willing to share, please send them to us at kenpersonett@msn.com<\/a>.\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s a favorite coaching memory, a life lesson he taught you, a funny story or special photo, your contribution will help us celebrate the impact he had on so many lives.<\/p>\n
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