Drew Edward Bonadio

Drew Bonadio

1975 - 2025

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Drew Bonadio, a beloved son, friend, and creative spirit who left us on September 19th in Sutherlin, Oregon.

Born October 19, 1975, in Canton, Ohio, Drew attended Aurora City Schools in Aurora, Ohio, before moving on to Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, for high school. It was here that his love for acting truly began to blossom, winning the John W. Hallowell Award for contributing significantly to the cultural life of the school through his creative ability in art and writing.

After high school, Drew was awarded an English-Speaking Union scholarship and embarked on an international adventure, participating in a year-long fellowship at The Oundle School in Peterborough, England. He then earned his Bachelor of Arts from Miami University of Ohio and his Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).

His professional journey was equally dynamic. Drew embraced his love for acting with a regional traveling theatre troupe based in New York City. As struggling actors often do, he became quite the entertaining server and bartender at Café Steinhof in Brooklyn. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to partner in a construction company that operated branches in New York and Los Angeles. Drew recognized a niche market of converting and retrofitting buildings for indoor cannabis cultivation and, from there, began working at indoor grows in California and Oregon.

Drew's life was not only defined by his work but also by his hobbies and interests. His competitive spirit was evident in his passion for skiing, tennis, and golf. His love of the theatre was always on display in his creativity and zany humor. He also loved painting and exploring music of all kinds.

Drew was preceded in death by his grandparents, Florence and Natale Bonadio, Vera and Edward Katchmark, and his aunts Carol Katchmark Kennedy and Donna Bonadio Frattaroli. Drew is survived by his devoted parents, Dave & Judi Bonadio, and his aunts Melanie Katchmark Zwicker and Danette Bonadio Stasko.

In honor of Drew's vibrant life, celebrations will be held over the next few months in various cities he called home. These gatherings will be an opportunity for all who knew and loved him to share memories, celebrate his unique sparkle, and keep his spirit alive.

A fine arts scholarship fund in Drew's name has been set up at Western Reserve Academy. We are so pleased that for many years to come, another talented student can be awarded the Drew Bonadio Fine Arts Scholarship. Memorial contributions can be made to Western Reserve Academy, Advancement Office, 115 College Street, Hudson, OH 44236, or online at wra.net/giving. It is important to identify that your gift is for the Drew Bonadio Fine Arts Scholarship.