Richard H. Bonney ’45

Richard H. Bonney ’45 died on January 12, 2016, in West Norriton, Pennsylvania.

(The following was published in The Times Herald on January 15, 2016):

Lt. Col. Richard H. Bonney of West Norriton Lt. Col. Richard H. Bonney, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of West Norriton, died January 12, 2016. He was 95. Richard was born April 5, 1920 in Portland, Maine. He later attended Lehigh University and graduated from Bowdoin College. During his service to the United States Army in the 84th Infantry, Richard fought at the Battle of the Bulge, served General George S. Patton following the war, and supported the US intelligence effort at the Nuremberg Trials. For his exceptional service, Richard received a Purple Heart and was awarded the Bronze Star and, most notably, the Silver Star for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy.” In recent years, he became an active participant in the Frank C. Parker Jr. & Son American Legion Post 901. While on military leave in 1942, Richard met Eleanor Dorothy (Bullwinkel) Bonney at the Gray Bar on Long Island. After the two locked eyes across the room, Richard gave Eleanor a “Want to dance?” gesture. They reunited after the war and were married July 6, 1946. Richard and Eleanor celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last July. For over 40 years, Richard was a wool buyer for Lees Carpets in Bridgeport, PA. He later became a tax consultant for H&R Block (and his appreciative family). Additionally, he was involved in community outreach through the Kiwanis Club. Richard was devoted to helping his children and grandchildren shape themselves into the best people they could be. With Richard’s support, they were able to attend the best schools and universities possible and were empowered to find their callings. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Richard cofounded the West Norriton Little League in 1952, regularly coached and supported area teams and clubs, and was instrumental in creating what became the annual Albert C. Donofrio Classic. He was also a dedicated fan of all Philadelphia teams and took care to never miss a play by the Phillies, Eagles, or Villanova Wildcats. In addition to Eleanor, Richard is survived by their son, Bruce Frank Bonney (wife Debra) and his children; Richard York Bonney and Brooke Elizabeth Bonney; daughter; Candace Dorothy (Bonney) Anders and her children; Gregory Rawle Anders, Jr. (wife Mary van Ogtrop), Crista Bonney Anders (fiancé Shaun Bales), and Seth Reed Anders (fiancé Mary McCall); daughter, Jeanne Deborah Bonney and her children, Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Marcus James Seaverns, Jr. and Jesse Eleanor Seaverns; and his niece Elaine. He will be greatly missed by dear family friend, Bill Young and his ever loving “Hey Mr. B” greeting. Richard had many faithful pets over his lifetime, including Holly, Missy, Blackjack and is currently missed by his buddy, Jake. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Kilkelly Bonney, father, Frank A. Bonney, and half-sister, Margaret. Relatives and friends are invited to Richard’s Life Celebration at Boyd-Horrox-Givnish of East Norriton, 200 W. Germantown Pike, 19401 on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 10-11:15 AM followed by his Funeral Service at 11:30 AM. Interment with full military honors will be at Riverside Cemetery, 200 South Montgomery Ave., Norristown, PA 19403.

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