Che Fortuna!

By Dominic Bonadio

I am supporting the St Vincent’s Hospital!

This page is for you Ralph. 

We spent so much time together. So much of my life is attributed to you. I love you. Rest in peace you so richly deserve.

Dear friends, with your help, St Vincent’s Hospital can make sure all Victorians have access to the best health care. Your donation will help to purchase new equipment for 10 East where Ralph was treated and cared for during the last few years of his life. The staff treated and cared for him as if he was one of their own family.

I would be so grateful if you could please help me make a difference and donate to our tribute page in this time of need. 

Thank you.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$5.02k

Frank Palazzo

I will always have very fond memories of Ralph, especially of our childhood together.

$2.52k

Anonymous

Nice story on the radio Always wanted to talk to zio about the war but didn’t know how to start the conversation.

$1.52k

Saverina Bonadio

Thank-you Dominic for your book of lifetime memories and for the enormous gesture in honour of my Ralphie who was so loved by all of his family and of his many many friends. His legacy and memory will live on forever. RIP RALPHIE

$1.42k

Marco Bonadio

From the Il Duca family!

$1.02k

John & Renee Ribot

Dom, what a special book. Ralph would be so proud and his legacy will always live on. Very best wishes and love to all your families.

$1.02k

Kenneth Hayne And Michelle Gordon

Thank you K and M

$1.02k

Sandra Fenton And Family

A wonderful tribute to Ralph, he would be so delighted. So many wonderful Il Duca memories including Ralph telling the story of his TV ad fame! Thank you so much xx

$1.02k

Jim,gail&sarah Butler

We remember “A ship in the harbour is safe but that’s not ships are made for” We still don’t know what it means!

$1.02k

Evelyn Danos

In loving memory of Ralph and huge credit to you Dom.

$1.02k

Carolyn

Dom, your book is a wonderful tribute to Ralph and all your family and I remember all the fun he enjoyed whilst doing the NAB ad. Congratulations and thanks to you all.

$1.02k

Karen And Greg Roebuck

Such a wonderful book and you should be so proud of yourself and of Ralph. Love to you, your family and Ralph's family.

$1.02k

Andrew Danos

Thank you for always looking after us, and especially papa, so well for so many years. We all miss Ralph terribly

$1,000

John Wison

On behalf of John and Judy Wilson Who loved Ralph very much

$1,000

Daryl, Carmel And The Girls Hore

$553

Anonymous

We’ll done mate.

$520

Sam & Julie Barbaro

For my mate , all the things we did together for so many years xxxxxx.

$520

Sayers Partners Pty Ltd

Congratulations Dom, a beautiful book on your wonderful life and memories of dear Ralph. Aysun, Gary and Brian

$520

Barassi & Co - Ken, Joy, Adam And Staff

What an amazing piece of history! Thank you for producing this book in memory of Ralph. He would be extremely proud of what you have done (amongst grizzling about the way the tables were set). Congratulations!

$520

Anonymous

$520

Jay And Ian Hurley

With love, The Hurleys

$500

Dominic Alafaci

un tributo formidabile

$500

Stephen Bell

Dom, a fantastic initiative and wonderful tribute to Ralph. Steve and Jane Bell

$500

Lionel Krongold

Congratulations on a great book.

$500

Angelo, Ben & David Varamo

It’s no small feat to take an idea and make it into a reality as you’ve done with this book Dom, a magnificent achievement truly fitting for Ralph and one in which you should feel incredibly proud. Ralphie was a friend, a brother, a father and so much more to me, I only ever felt genuine love from him and it’s your genuine love for your family that has been captured in this book, well done. Angelo, Ben & David Varamo

$420

Il Duca Customers

From some lovely il duca cutomers

$420

Anonymous

In memory of a lovely brother, many happy memories

$369.25

Carolyn And Vandio Graziano

Fabulous read Dom, a wonderful tribute to Ralph and to the brother you were to him xx

$340

Dominic Bonadio

On behalf of the Hodgetts Family

$316.50

Erin Lidgerwood

Love Erin John and Alex for all you do for all you are loved our Ralphie

$316.50

Teresa Bonadio

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again” Maya Angelou. A life devoted in love and kindness to others, the greatest soul, husband and father. Thank you Zio for dedicating your story to the man of our life Ralphie and for those who have shared so generously with your words and donations. There is not a day that passes that I don’t miss your smile and wish we had more time together but you live on in all of the lives you have touched and in Raffaele’s beautiful smile which is just like yours Dad. May this gesture for St Vincent’s Hospital who cared for Ralphie so well for so long help many people for years to come.

$263.75

Ralph Bonadio

A great achievement Dom Ralph would have been proud of his little brother

$263.75

John Piccolo

Hey Dom, so many similarities between our families - thanks for the memories, the laughs and of course...the chicken livers :)

$263.75

Joe & Margaret Bonadio

In loving memory of Ralph Bonadio Who we truly miss

$250

Dominic Bonadio

Friday Judges donation

$250

Doninic

On behalf Lina and Sam Ninette

$250

Peter Madden

Congratulations Dom, a fantastic legacy to Ralph who was a wonderful man.

$211

Cathy Baker

You made this happen! It’s a beautiful book for beautiful reasons. I look forward to helping you sell it so people read it and also support St Vincent’s in the name of our Dear Ralph. Xxx

$211

Anonymous

Thank you for this profound gesture Zio, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Congratulations.

$211

Lou Perri

$211

Manney And Anastasia Kallergis

Congratulations on such a beautifully written book Dom, A wonderful testimony to a big life and your loving tribute to our much missed Ralph.

$211

Marco Bonadio

Il duca customers

$211

John And Mary O’connor

Ralph was a great friend. We miss him.

$211

Carolien Evans

Dear Dom, Whenever I hear ‘Mama’ sung by Heintje, I think of Ralph. We sung it together at Il Duca once. The last time we saw him. Thank you for writing the book. We shall enjoy reading it. Love, Carolien and John

$211

Colette &peter Gray

In memory of a great person You were a fantastic team

$211

Dana Bradley

Thank you, my “WWF” friend! Can’t wait to read this special book!

$211

Jeff Wilson

In memory of Ralph. A kind and wonderful man. Thank you Dominic . I am privileged to have your book. Jeff Wilson

$211

Phil Anthony

It has been an honour to be regular patrons of Geppettos and Il Duca and to be friends of Ralph and Dom for so many years. What a wonderful family. Cheers Phil and Alison

$211

Anonymous

From the il duca family

$211

Nicholas Romeo

$211

Sam And Mimi Agostino

In loving memory of Ralphie XXXX

$200

Greg Butera

Looking forward to reading it , Ralph would be so proud… Well done

$158.25

Anonymous

Well done Dom. Love the book!!

$158.25

Gerard Bowshall

Congratulations Dom, fantastic memories and a fine tribute to Ralph, well done. You both lived and you continue to practice your “life lesson…”

$158.25

Marco Bonadio

From the il duca family

$150

Doninic

Eric and Bill

$150

Dominic Bonadio

Donation Judy Tatray

$150

Marcus & Alana Chivell

Finally got around to it. Apologies for the delay!…but at least it’s still going to the right place. He was an absolute legend!

$131.88

Jeanette Benvenuto

Thank you for the lovely memories of you and Ralph.

$105.50

Teresa Bonadio

Mums donation

$105.50

Shaun Levin

For all the good memories.

$105.50

Greg Clinnick

Great book. Impressive level of donations Dom. Love Il Duca. Long live Il Duca!

$105.50

Anonymous

$105.50

Dominic Bonadio

Bill Bessemer donation

$105.50

Frank Brancatisano

Thank you for the opportunity to reflect and feel so privileged to call you and Ralph friends.

$105.50

John Jeffreys

Thanks Dom Very happy to support

$105.50

Peter Spence

Thanks for your book, Dom. Am enjoying your story. Thanks for your continuing hospitality. Regards, Peter

$105.50

Anonymous

$105.50

Danny Maher

Vale Ralphie

$105.50

Christine Santic

My first time at your Restaurant & I am a little Speechless everything was Impeccable 💙💎

$105.50

Anonymous

Dom, Susan and I read your beautiful book over the weekend. Your expression of "LOVE " for Ralph is extrordinary. May he rest in Peace You certainly take after your wonderful Brother John and Susan

$105.50

Conte Bros Importers Pty Ltd

Congratulations on your Story Domenic. Wonderful read. The Conte Family.

$105.50

Jennifer & John Silvester

$105.50

Emma Butera

His beautiful soul lives on. As does your story. Thank you for sending it to the west

$105.50

Rob Murray

$105.50

Michael & Jan Bonadio

Dom, well done on the book and on this cause! We are all proud of you! 👍

$105.50

Robert Murray

Dom, As you know, the two extra books are for gifts. We will encourage the recipients to also donate

$105.50

Bruce Rodell

A great and worthy cause Dom.

$105.50

Kerryn Andersen

I loved reading your memoir Dom. I laughed and I cried . I think I’m really an Italian, at heart anyway. Ralph was special and your idea is wonderful.

$105.50

Judy Cumming

Thank you for all you’ve done- and your Che Fortuna! Is a most delightful read! Cheers Judy & Graham

$105.50

Mario Spolidoro

Thank you Dom and Mary for all your years of friendship-Ralph will forever be in our memories he was such a gentleman may he RIP

$105.50

Michael Kelly

Thanks for all the memories, it is a great way honour Ralph’s life.

$105.50

Anonymous

A remarkable legacy.

$105.50

Timothy Winter

Hi Dominic Great night last night and many thanks for the book. Please include me on the emails for these particular functions. As an aside could I suggest that you charge the meal/ entertainment component on arrival to alleviate the rush at the end of the night. Cheers Tim and Meg Winter 0417895578

$105.50

John And Tracy Wilson

We so enjoy dining at Il Duca and love the book - great life story and thanks for sharing!

$105.50

Anonymous

Loved the story zx

$105.50

Anonymous

$105.50

Justin Barbaro

Rest in Peace Ralphy. We didn’t get to spend much time together, but I have fond memoirs of the times that we did .

$105.50

Laura Sykes

Congratulations to you on your final ‘the end’ to a lot of words full of expression, love and emotions. The sentiment of Che Fortuna’ is beyond words. Well done!

$105.50

Richard Thayer

Congratulations on the amazing success of your book and fundraising efforts.

$105.50

Dawson Family Deniliquin

Fantastic history Dominic. Some great memories shared by all.

$105.50

Di And Bretan Clifford

Congratulations on a terrific memoir. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

$105.50

Rita

Wonderful memories - thank you Love Rita

$105.50

Mary Dawson

In memory of a wonderful cousin

$105.50

Peter & Julie Kendall

In memory of Ralph

$105.50

Richard & Maryann White

Find memories of Ralph, lots of love Richard, Maryann and family

$105.50

Malcolm Knight

$105.50

Anonymous

- a beautiful tribute to your brother- every parent hopes for their children to love each other as much as you have and now you have created a memorial to a lovely man who we think of every time we walk in the door At Il duca . .. xx schwabby and Jen

$100

Dominic Bonadio

Donation Sam K

$100

Paul Barbaro

For my amazing, supportive, loving comparare

$100

Dominic Bonadio

Ron Fraser donation

$100

Blackwood Soy Candle Co

Beautiful book Dom. Ralphy would be rapt.❤️

$100

Aldo & Rosanne Virgona

Yes, I did enjoy the memories. Love the book. You have a remarkable memory Dom.

$52.75

Anonymous

$52.75

Alex Pelaccia

❤️❤️❤️

$52.75

Bev Jacobs

Loved the book Dom - a true storyteller! Proud to support your endeavour for Ralph.

$52.75

Capito Wines

Dear Dom - congratulations on a masterful achievement. I loved reading your book. Such is a lovely testament to Ralph and your special relationship. It’s also a beautiful celebration of your family and friends, and an important historical account of the Melbourne restaurant scene, and your and your family’s contribution to it. The richness of your life, your positivity and energy shine through. Huge congratulations again. You deserve to be very proud. Xxx Andrea

$52.75

Ross Filandia And Joan Filandia

Thank you for the beautiful book. I will treasure it in Ralph’s memory. Regards Ross and Joan

$52.75

Di Mckenzie

Have loved your hospitality over the years. Great book - great read x

$52.75

Maz Dowling

Dom, so many memories. M 💙💜

$52.75

Jill

Thank you Dom. A beautiful book.

$52.75

Anonymous

$52.75

Rosa Bonadio

In loving memory of Ralph Bonadio

$50

Nadia Kalnis

Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Love the book and your support of St Vincent’s.

$50

Dominic Bonadio

Smokey Dawson donation

$50

Ludmila Kalnis

What great memories.

$50

Dominic Bonadio

Donation Graeme Renshaw

$50

Fran Hartz

Ralph changed my life and will always be in my heart as a true lifelong friend

$26.38

Victoria Bowie

Donating for the beautiful book

$26.38

Anonymous

$26.38

Anonymous

$26.38

Marie Ellul

Wonderful Tribute Dominic Lasting memory of a beautiful man. From Vince & Marie

$2.11

Anonymous

Test

$2.11

Anonymous

Contact

St Vincent's Foundation
Level 3, Suite 300
100 Victoria Parade
East Melbourne, Victoria 3002