Born Daniel Kelly in Thomastown, Ireland on May 15, 1837 he was the son of John Kelly and Ellen McDonell. His family moved to New York City at an early age. As a young man he was a member of the Fighting Fire Brigade in New York City and was chosen captain. He was a strict disciplinarian. When his parents died, he entered the Passionist novitiate in Pittsburgh. He professed his vows on July 14, 1867 and received the name Bonaventure. He worked in many monasteries as a brother. He constructed the large stone stair case in the Baltimore monastery. and was injured during that construction. From then on he took care of the heating plants in Baltimore and later in West Hoboken, New Jersey. Eventually he became an invalid after a complete breakdown and he died in 1919.
Birth Date:
August 15, 1837
Profession Date:
July 14, 1867
Death Date:
November 22, 1919
Religious Name:
Bonaventure of St. Ignatius Kelly