Leslie J. Bonano

Leslie “Les” Bonano, a man who you always wanted to have standing in your corner, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at Slidell Memorial Hospital. A husband, father, grandfather, policeman, world-class boxing trainer, businessman, Hall-of-Famer, and friend, “the Chief” will be missed by all who knew and respected him. He leaves the ring of life, and our hearts, as the still undefeated champion - 79 and 0 - with memorable knockouts in all of his many undertakings. The son of Leslie Sr. and Rosalie, Les grew up in Hollygrove with three siblings: Mikel, Ronnie, and Susan Rudd. After attending Fortier High School, St. Mary’s Dominican and Loyola University, Les would find his vocation in solving high profile criminal cases on the streets of New Orleans as a detective for the NOPD. His reputation for being the fearless, hard-hitting and no-nonsense fists of justice speaks for itself, as shown by his awards and formal recognitions during that time. His law enforcement career in the Crescent City would continue over decades, culminating in a position of leadership as Chief Deputy of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. It was there he created one of his many legacies - a boxing program for inmates to help them achieve better futures outside the walls of a jail cell. His mentorship, friendship and skill as a trainer made a difference in the lives of the young men who were lucky enough to learn from him. Les would later complete his work in public service as the lead investigator for the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. From his beginnings in New Orleans, Les would become recognized on a much bigger stage as the fighters he trained and promoted went on to contend in title bouts. He stood ringside in venues that extended from the Gulf Coast to Las Vegas to destinations across the Atlantic. And as if he wasn’t already a larger-than-life figure Les’ star would rise even into Hollywood, with a small speaking role in the Charles Bronson film, Hard Times. While known for his successes in the sports world, nowhere did Les’ ranking figure more prominently than in the daily lives of his family. For his wife of 60 years, Mary, and his four children, Darla McGovern (Dennis “Jay”), Deslie Bonano-Broussard (Troy), Derrick (Lisa) and Deano (Jaquie), Les was a strong provider, protector and teacher. For his grandchildren Devin, Dylan, Dominick, Joseph, Kaitlyn, Madelyn, Mason, Evan and Aiden, he was an example of strength and determination, among many other things. Until the very last round, Les fought through the challenges he faced to be there for the ones he loved when it counted the most. We will say goodbye to the Chief this Saturday, May 28, 2022, with services beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Church, 309 Manson Street, Metairie, Louisiana 70003. A funeral Mass will take place at 12:30 p.m. A private burial for the family will follow. If you would like to honor Les’ memory, please consider making a donation to The American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or The National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org). To offer condolences please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.
 

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