Kial Christian Ward Bonetti

Kial Christian Ward Bonetti, 35, was born in Salinas, California, on June 3, 1991, to Randall and Margaret Serna Bonetti. He grew up in Salinas where he attended John Steinbeck Elementary School and Gavilan View Middle School, he graduated from Salinas High School “Class of 2009” before attending Hartnell college.

Kial had a lifelong passion for sports. From an early age, he enjoyed playing and being around athletics. As a young man he had the opportunity to serve, as a ball boy for the Salinas High School CCS Championship Varsity Basketball team under the guidance of Coach Chappell. He was proud to be a part of the team and cherished the experiences that came from being around a game he loved with players he looked up to. Sports were also a part of the Bonetti family tradition. Inspired by his family’s involvement in coaching Little League, Kial took to the baseball field, as a talented and competitive left-handed pitcher and second baseman. Kial and his brother, Danté, also spent eight years racing go-karts with the Monterey Bay Karters and competing in International Kart Federation series racing. Gifted with a keen eye and fast reflexes, Kial went on to win multiple championships in go-kart racing. Those years brought them wonderful memories, friendships, and adventures that became an important part of Kial’s childhood.

Kial had a natural talent for bowling. He joined a bowling league in Salinas, where he bowled weekly with friends. Kial played ice hockey for the San Jose City league, golfed on weekends and enjoyed a good hand of poker and an occasional night of bingo with close friends. Kial was a devoted fan of the San Jose Sharks, the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. He was a Marvel, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars enthusiast frequently throwing down laser challenges. He exhibited a love for astronomy, meteor showers in particular. Kial made a career in sales where he excelled, as a top salesman having worked for Royal Oaks Feed, AT&T Accounts Manager; San Francisco and Monterey County, and more recently Sonsray Machinery. He was an entrepreneur at heart and carried his own label for his beef jerky business.

In 2013 Kial became a proud father to his beloved son, Trenton. Becoming a father brought a new and meaningful chapter to his life, and his love for his son was evident in all that he did. A devoted father, Kial was especially proud to share his love of sports with his son Trenton, a talented bowler and pitcher like his father. Kial coached for his son’s flag football team and was an active parent volunteer, supporting Trenton in his school activities and various sports. Fatherhood was at the core of Kial’s daily life, encouraging Trenton’s dreams, and investing in the potential and promise he saw in his son’s future was an essential part of how Kial showed up for Trenton. Kial found his place in life when Trenton was born, it was the greatest joy and most important part of his existence. The sleeping infant on his chest grew to be a young man at his side. Kial regularly encouraged Trenton to lead by example with honesty, integrity and overall good character. Kial and Trenton were always side-by-side, they played chess, enjoyed cinema and pizza nights, as well as regularly traveling to their favorite vacation getaway, Disneyland, and going on spontaneous road trips. Adventurous in nature father and son enjoyed hiking while searching for untold treasures. Kial and Trenton enjoyed various genres of music especially Classic Rock, Oldies, Psychedelic 60’s, Heavy Metal and Celtic folk.

Kial had a charismatic, passionate and fun-loving personality with a good sense of humor. He dressed to impress with a sharp professional, or sporty style that exuded confidence and pride. A handsome young man with a beautiful ready smile that preceded his entry into any room. He was an intellectually and spiritually sensitive person. He adored his son above all. He strove to provide Trenton every advantage within his reach and ability. Moreover, Kial loved and cared deeply for his family, friends and the youth of the community. He was sensitive about the quality of the human experience, and he demonstrated this by giving his all with everything he attempted during his brief yet productive life. He was an outstanding citizen and represented the family with pride. He was as proud to be a Bonetti, as his family was of him.

Kial passed unexpectedly following a brief illness, surrounded by his family that adored him, on September 19, 2026. He will be deeply missed by his parents, Randall and Margaret Serna Bonetti; his brother, Danté Bonetti; his son, Trenton Bonetti; and an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded by previously departed family members, his grandparents Julia and Guadalupe Serna, of San Juan Bautista, and Hazel and Adolpho Bonetti, of Soledad.

A viewing will be held at Healey Mortuary from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026. A remembrance gathering of life will begin at 6:00 p.m.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, the procession will begin at 11:00 am from Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd., Salinas Ca, 93905.

Interment will follow at the San Juan Bautista Cemetery 70 Monterey St., San Juan Bautista, Ca, 95045.

Celebration of life will immediately follow burial at the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW Hall) 58 Monterey St., San Juan Bautista, Ca, 95045.

The Bonetti Family would like to send their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Salinas Valley Healthcare Medical Center ICU doctors, nurses and staff, as well as the Salinas City dispatch paramedics for the care and the attention given to their beloved son, brother and father.