I vividly remember our sessions together rehabbing a hamstring injury as Rebecca supported my small business during the pandemic.

Rebecca was a marathoner and champion for health and wellness within the fitness community. She was one of the most focused, motivated, and humble people I have worked with as a PT.

During her sessions, she never was focused on her own injury but would always inquire about my running goals and what my plans were with my family. She unequivocally had the best recommendations on which races I should do in the future and which family beach vacations we should go on next! It was because of Rebecca, that my wife and I explored Block Island for the first time last year and will always remember all of her expert tips and advice each and every time we visit Block in the future.

I appreciated that Rebecca and Frank showed up for our first ever Spark Healthy Runner pre race warm up before the 2019 New Haven road race! This is Frank’s favorite race to run annually and I lost track on how many races he has officially completed on Labor Day (it is over 20 years)!

I always loved catching up with Rebecca and Frank at the dance studio that our daughters danced at talking about family and running of course!

I will never forget when both Rebecca and Frank sent me a personal text message of comfort during the most difficult time in my life when I lost my mom during COVID and Rebecca offered comforting thoughts from her experience dealing with grief from the loss of her father.

The world has lost a true inspiration and may Rebecca’s compassion, positive energy, and genuine human spirit live on in all the people she has touched during her time with us here on this earth.

Healing prayers and much love to the Wilansky and Bonito families during this time.

I will be running the New Haven 20K on Monday September 4th in honor of Rebecca and Frank with a heavy heart.

If you would like to join me in supporting this family within our running community during this difficult and tragic grief journey they are experiencing, consider donating.

Learn more about the rare and beautiful spirit that was Rebecca...

Rebecca Michelle Wilansky, 46, of Higganum, Connecticut passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 27, 2023. A long-standing financial analyst at Yale New Haven Hospital, Rebecca was more than just a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, sister, and aunt. She was the vibrant, passionate center of every family gathering, the orchestrator of fun, an inspirational source of warmth and cheer.

But beyond that, she was something much more important. She was profoundly selfless. Everyone else came first. She was, and always will be loved by so many, because she loved so many.

In 2012, Rebecca married the love of her life, Frank Bonito. Together, they produced and nurtured two amazing children, Isla, 11, and Elise, 9. They were the joy of Rebecca’s life. Their trips to Block Island, many beaches and concerts were only some of the highlights of the family's adventures. A dedicated mother every day of her life, Rebecca was not only transportation to dance and soccer, but an active backstage presence and cheerleader.

Yet, the family was not complete without their cherished furry family members, Phoebe and Maverick, who provided unending sources of love and comfort.

The circle of her love and influence extended far beyond the immediate family. Even the limitless space of the internet couldn't contain the list of people who meant so much to Rebecca -- and vice versa.

Above all, she leaves behind her beloved mother, Susan Wilansky of Lanesboro, Massachusetts and longtime partner David Fiedler. Rarely would a day -- or oftentimes an hour -- go by without Rebecca and her mom sharing a quick phone call to update each other on the small, yet significant, moments that became the threads of an unbreakable bond. It's fair to say this wasn't just a mother-daughter connection; it was a deep and precious friendship that enriched both their lives in countless ways.

Rebecca also leaves behind her mother-in-law, Connie Jarrell of Wallingford, Connecticut, who always occupied a special place in her heart, and her two treasured stepchildren Matt Bonito of Prospect, Connecticut and Nicole Bonito of Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, her brother Matthew Wilansky (Alane) of Marlborough, Connecticut, and their children, Lillian (13) and Calen (11), will deeply miss her presence.

Rebecca was predeceased by her father, Stewart Wilansky, who passed away in 2004.

This past Saturday was a testament to Rebecca’s zest for life. Along with her two incredible children, and her favorite niece and nephew, they embarked on a day-long adventure at Six Flags. They laughed, screamed, and ate candy. Lots of it.

For all the joy and laughter from the kids, it was Rebecca's genuine happiness that day that truly and appropriately embodied the essence of her character.

If we learned anything from Rebecca's legacy, it's to live life to the fullest. Be kind. More than anything, she taught us to love without limits.

Wilansky Bonito Family

By Duane Scotti

Wilansky Bonito Family

The Running Community Lost a Beautiful Ray of Sunshine

Team Leaderboard

Team Members