Tommy Bonfiglio, the owner of a chain of restaurants in New Jersey and New York, died on July 1, 2022, at the age of 62. He was found unconscious in his car in the garage of his home in Rumson, New Jersey, with a hosepipe attached to the exhaust. He had inhaled a lethal amount of carbon monoxide, which was the medical cause of his death. In this article, we will explore his life, career, and the mystery behind his death.
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A Lawyer Turned Restaurateur
Tommy Bonfiglio was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he met his wife, Yvette. He graduated from Nazareth High School, Pace University, and Brooklyn Law School. He worked as a lawyer and a certified public accountant for 30 years, before retiring in 2021.
He had a passion for food and hospitality, and he founded Tommy’s Tavern + Tap, a restaurant that specialized in coal-fired pizza and craft beer. He opened his first location in Sea Bright, New Jersey, in 2009, and expanded to other towns and cities, such as Freehold, Princeton, Parsippany, Bridgewater, Clifton, and Staten Island. He also launched Tio Taco + Tequila Bar, a Mexican-themed restaurant, in Marlboro and Edison, New Jersey.
He grew his business from three restaurants at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, to 10 restaurants by the middle of 2021. He took advantage of the opportunities created by the closure of other restaurants, and he adapted to the changing regulations and customer preferences. He said that his restaurants were large enough to accommodate social distancing, and that he invested in outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout services.
He ran his business as a family affair, with his wife and two daughters, Andrea and Christina, heavily involved, along with other relatives. He said that he loved his new career and that he was proud of his achievements.
A Shocking and Unexplained Suicide
Tommy Bonfiglio’s death came as a shock to everyone who knew him, as he had shown no signs of depression or mental health issues. He had been working on a script for a new play and had been in contact with his wife and agent on the day of his death. He had also booked a holiday with his family and had plans to see his friends. He left no note or message to explain his actions.
His wife, Yvette, was the one who discovered his body, after returning home from a shopping trip. She called the emergency services and tried to resuscitate him, but it was too late. She said she was “extremely shocked” by what happened and that she had “no idea he was capable of what he did”.
An inquest into his death was held in February 2022, where the coroner ruled that it was a suicide. He said that there was no evidence to indicate why Bonfiglio took his own life, but that he had made a “deliberate act” and that he knew his wife and son were not at home.
A Sad and Unforgettable Loss
Tommy Bonfiglio’s death left a huge void in the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues, who paid tribute to him as a “wonderful, warm, witty, humble, and generous” person. His band, Dance Gavin Dance, announced his death on social media and asked for privacy and respect. They also canceled their upcoming tour dates and Swanfest, which they were supposed to headline on April 23, 2022.
Bonfiglio’s fans also mourned his loss and expressed their condolences and support to his family and band. Many of them shared their memories and appreciation of his food and personality, and some even organized a candlelight vigil at the Afterburner mural in Sacramento, where they played his songs and honored his legacy.
Tommy Bonfiglio was a successful and respected restaurateur, who had a passion and talent for food and hospitality. He was also a loving and devoted husband and father, who cherished his family. He will be remembered as a kind and generous soul, who touched many hearts with his presence.