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In recognition of years of community support, St. Joseph Health System recently dedicated an office building in honor of Johnny and Bonnie Lampo - the same office building in which Mr. Lampo ran his successful food service business from for more than 14 years. The St. Joseph Lampo Building was formally dedicated in August, 2003. The building, located at 1530 East William Joel Bryan in Bryan, now houses the St. Joseph Foundation and the St. Joseph Communication offices and was given to St. Joseph Health System as a gift annuity which will pay Johnny and Bonnie an income for life. The Lampo’s gift also represents a significant contribution to St. Joseph’s Promise Campaign - a two-year effort to raise more than $5 million to support the healthcare ministry of St. Joseph Health System. . Their ancestors emigrated here from Corleone, Sicily and began working the land in the late 1800's - early 1900's. Bonnie’s father arrived with little more than a dollar in his pocket but persevered until he owned 200 acres. The Lampos began in farming as well, but Johnny and his dad ended up in the grocery business for 20 years. That endeavor began shortly after Johnny returned to Bryan from an 18-month stint in the military in 1947. The 21-year old entrepreneur soon carried on the tradition of family and faith by marrying the 18-year old love of his life, Bonnie, on April 13, 1947 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. The early years were busy ones with the births of children Sam, Frank and Marianne and Johnny’s dedication to the family business included his sons, Sam and Frank. In 1968, Johnny began new partnerships, combining his love of family, friends and food. He and his brother in law and sister, Luke and Josephine Ruffino, and other friends acquired a Pizza Hut franchise. Two years later, he and Luke started the Farmer’s Market Bakery and Deli, a Brazos Valley original. Luke was a wonderful baker and together they would start their day at 4:00 a.m baking bread. It was a great partnership according to Johnny, "because Luke liked to cook and I liked to be the PR man out front making the deals." Bonnie was the "backbone of the family" during this time, staying home and caring for their growing family that ultimately included two more sons, John Joseph and Christopher. Bonnie was involved with everything the children did from school to Little League to church activities. Johnny credits her for keeping everything running while he attended to his many business ventures and civic activities. Starting his morning at 4:00 a.m, gave Johnny time to put in a full day’s work and still make various board meetings and other community functions. Over the years, he was Mayor Pro-Tem of the Bryan City Council, a Bryan ISD trustee, President of the Brazos County Industrial Foundation and a director of the Better Business Bureau. Other roles included President of the Texas A&M Quarterback Club, President of the Bryan Lions Club and President of the Bluebonnet Psychiatric Center. He also served on the boards of First City National & Victoria Bank and Trust, Briarcrest Country Club and Texas A&M - Bryan/College Station Council. He was appointed by Texas Governor Ann Richards to the Private Industry Council. Partnerships with family and friends continued to flourish as sons Sam and Frank became involved with Pizza Hut operations. That business continued to expand in the Brazos Valley to ultimately include 24 sites. Johnny was a member of the National Board of Directors for International Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association. Despite his hands on experiences at Farmer’s Market, Johnny never actually made a pizza. However, he and Bonnie were known to pitch in and wash dishes when necessary. Sons John Joseph and Christopher carried on the family tradition of feeding people. John and Frank were involved in another Lampo endeavor, Tejas Café. Acquiring his own culinary talents, Christopher began another venture with his World Grille. Even daughter Marianne didn’t stray far from the family legacy, marrying a partner in a meat preparation business. The Lampos are proud of the fact that all of their children live in the Brazos Valley and remain woven in each others lives. With the sale of Farmer’s Market and Pizza Huts of the Brazos Valley, Bonnie began to see a little more of Johnny. While he remains active in investments and real estate development, he can be seen more frequently on the golf course or in his garden. He still begins his day by cooking. This time, however, he focuses on Bonnie’s breakfast. The Lampos remain pillars of their church at St. Anthony’s. Johnny is on the Finance Committee and is a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Bonnie remains active with the Clerical Endowment Funds, which she has chaired for 36 years. While they seem to have fun at whatever they do, a 30-year dance club membership has been an activity they have joyfully shared. Despite the fact that they now do more sitting than dancing, they still get together with their friends for good times. The Lampos consider St. Joseph Health System a good friend as well. Bonnie met one of the Sisters of St. Francis at the hospital when she was only nine years old. Sr. Gregory’s smiling face won Bonnie over and she has been a steadfast supporter of the hospital ever since. All of their children and each of their 12 grandchildren have all been born at St. Joseph Regional Health Center. Bonnie and Johnny have served on the St. Joseph Foundation Board and have raised funds and friends through several Brazos Bash galas. "St. Joseph has been a great asset to our community and has always been a part of our lives. We need to preserve this incredible healthcare tradition in the Brazos Valley."
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Foundation, St. Joseph, St Joseph, Bryan, Texas, planned giving, giving, donations, donating, sisters of st. francis, gifts, contributions
Family, faith, friends, food and fun have been the cornerstones of life for Johnny and Bonnie Lampo. These native Brazos Valley pioneers have emphasized these values in all their endeavors. 
