Robert Edward Bonner

Robert Edward Bonner, of Jamaica, New York, known as Bobby to friends and family, after a long and rewarding life peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 11, 2016 while in the warm comfort and care of family at the home of his only daughter in Caldwell, Idaho.

Bobby was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 3, 1929 to the late Evelyn Lena “Evalena” Marshall Bonner and Christopher Columbus Bonner. In 1947 his family moved to the Bronx where Bobby cultivated childhood friendships that would last a lifetime. It was during these days that Bobby earned the nickname “Skeets” as a fast-moving, quick-shooting basketball player whose sneakers squealed on the hardwood as he raced the floor and stopped on a dime.

In 1950 Bobby joined the U.S. Army and served two years stationed in Germany before his honorable discharge in November 1952. Bobby continued his service to country as a U.S. Army Reservist when he returned to his family’s new home in Mount Vernon, New York. It was during the next couple of years that his life would dramatically change.

Upon his father’s urging that he meet “a nice-looking young lady” who worked in his building, Bobby dressed in his Army uniform, showed up at his father’s job, struck up a conversation, and asked the young lady out on their first date. Fortunately, not only did she agree to the date, but Ada-Maria Nieves, the love of Bobby’s life, married him on August 27, 1955.

Bobby and his new bride moved to their new family home in Jamaica, New York in 1956. They had four children together while Bobby supported his family as a US Postal Worker until his retirement in August 1986. Bobby enjoyed traveling with his family to their favorite warm-weather destinations: Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona. He was also a diehard sports fan and Queens, New York loyalist who attended as many Mets home games as he could, never missed a Knicks game if it aired on television, and was a Giants season ticket holder who frequented the stadium. His family is fairly certain that it was in his honor that the Giants beat the Cowboys on the night of Bobby’s passing.

With his warm smile, big heart, and gregarious nature, it was easy for people to come to like Bobby and remain his friend forever. It was not unusual to find him sweeping a neighbor’s walkway, offering a ride to the doctor, or picking someone up from the airport. He was kind, friendly, and neighborly, and people loved him for it.

Bobby is preceded in death by his beloved wife Ada Maria, his siblings Christopher Columbus, Jr. and his wife Dorothy, Henry “Ducky” Clay, and Jean Marie. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Carmen Yvette of Caldwell, Idaho, Robert Edward, Jr. of Jamaica, New York, Fernando Quincy and his wife Kimberly of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Anthony John of Manhattan, New York; his beloved niece, Evelyn Jean of Jamaica, New York; his five grandchildren; his seven great-grandchildren; and many other dearly loved family members and friends.