Heather Bonnoni is doing her best to remain strong amid family tragedy.
Bonnoni helped to organize a family-hosted public vigil Friday night honoring her late niece, Roxanne Alexis Bonnoni. Roxanne was killed Tuesday evening when she was struck by a vehicle traveling on North Canal Street in Harrison’s Natrona neighborhood. Roxanne, 11, was struck about 7:30 p.m. while crossing the street near her home.
Since then, a makeshift memorial has grown as people continue to place flowers, notes, photos, stuffed animals and even a wind chime at the intersection of North Canal and Kuntz Street.
Roxanne is being remembered as a girl with a lovely smile who loved ice cream, Popsicles, walks on the beach and dreamed of becoming a cheerleader and playing soccer.
Heather Bonnoni flew from Arizona to Pittsburgh on Thursday to support her grieving sister and Roxanne’s mother, Amber Bonnoni.
“Roxanne had just texted me a pic of her new haircut, and she was excited about getting ready to go to school,” Heather Bonnoni said. “I’m just trying to be there for my sister. She’s taking it really hard. We’re just trying to look for the best but it’s hard to do. We’re just remembering Roxanne for the light that she was. Everyone loved her.”
The vigil was scheduled for 9 p.m. to accommodate the family’s funeral home obligations earlier in the evening.
“I want my baby back. Please. I want my baby back,” Amber Bonnoni cried out multiple times while seated on the sidewalk next to the memorial.
A nighttime vigil honoring 11-year old Roxanne Bonnoni is underway Friday along North Canal Street in Harrison. Bonnoni was killed Tuesday when she was struck by a vehicle near her home. @VNDNews @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/F1ecGYAUjr
— Reporter Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) August 24, 2024
Neighbors and mother/daughter Darlene Gannon and Jessica Kelly attended the vigil and watched a visibly distraught Amber Bonnoni walk past the memorial.
“I’m here to support them, and I’m emotional. It hurts,” Gannon said. “Roxanne used to bring her dog named Teddy over, and she loved that dog.”
Kelly was feeling emotional and said she cries every time she walks by the memorial.
“Roxanne was always saying ‘Hi’ to me, and my heart felt better when she said hello to me,” Kelly said. “It shows we all support each other and want to make sure we can come together and do something for the family.”
Anthony Bonnoni of Las Vegas arrived Thursday to pay his respects to his niece.
“In a time of death, it’s always rough. But no matter how dark the room might be, the littlest light can brighten anything,” he said. “Roxanne had joy and had a very kind spirit. She kept that family together because she never wanted anyone to be upset. She was a peacemaker.”
Anthony Bonnoni said he is leaning on his strong Christian faith to cope.
“I also forgive the other person. We’re taught to forgive even your worst enemy,” said Anthony Bonnoni, who is training to be a minister.
The vigil included a candelight element and an open forum for anyone who wanted to pay their respects.
More than 100 people gathered under the lights provided by first responder trucks that were on hand to ensure safety and visibility at night.
Neighbor resident Jason Seibert knows the family and has been friends with Roxanne’s father, Anthony “Tony” Cszimadia, for more than 30 years.
“I think it’s a good thing for the community to have a vigil and bring everyone together,” Seibert said.
Seibert noted he’s concerned about what he described as ongoing speeding on North Canal.
The posted speed limit is 25 mph, and he’s concerned for his son’s safety.
“The speeding is all the time on this road. I used to sit out here and yell at people to slow down with their speeding,” Seibert said.
Seibert said the opportunity for the public to gather and honor Roxanne’s memory is a good thing.
“It hit us hard that night because it happened right in front of the house, and I have a 13 year-old-daughter who knew her,” Seibert said. “The family is just devastated. I feel so bad for them.”
A GoFundMe for the family has been established and as of Friday afternoon had raised more than $11,000, surpassing its initial goal of $9,000.
Donations will go directly to Roxanne’s parents to assist with funeral costs.
Roxanne was an active participant with Fun and Freedom, a nonprofit Christian-based program founded by the late Allegheny Valley School District coach Deeni Riddle.
The organization provides multi-sports activities, family events and community outreach to youths ages 5 to 18.
“She loved art and loved drawing. Anything going on at Fun and Freedom, Roxanne wanted to do. It was a big part of her life,” said family friend Denise Parkin. “She was just so sweet and kind. I’m going to miss her smile, her hugs and kindness. She would always run up and give us hugs. It’s very heartbreaking. It kills me that her little sister won’t have her best friend anymore. They were always together.”
Authorities have yet to release the name of the driver.
No arrests had been made in the case as of Friday evening, and Allegheny County Police are investigating.
