AUGUSTA: Roland F. Bonsey, 88, of Lisbon Falls peacefully passed away on Sunday October 28, 2018 at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta. Roland and twin Ruth were born to Frank and Florence Bonsey on November 2, 1929 and they grew up along with sister Katherine in Ellsworth, Maine. Roland joined the Navy when he graduated from Ellsworth High School at age 17. It was in the Navy that he discovered his joy of traveling, and during those years he sailed the Pacific Ocean and spent several years in post-war Germany. He served in the Navy for 20 years, worked at General Dynamics in Quincy, MA and ultimately retired from Bath Iron Works in Bath, ME. He was married for over 61 years to Cynthia (Seavey). Their courtship arose after Cynthia’s brother, Albert, introduced them, and after a long distance courtship while Roland was serving duty at sea, they married in 1957. Their marriage lasted 61 years and welcomed four children – Theresa, Joanne, Susan and Michael - and they still kissed and hugged to the end. Roland enjoyed traveling and, after retiring, he and Cynthia traveled extensively both here and abroad, including trips to Australia, Germany and Austria, and Rome. He travelled to Germany with Theresa and was in Heidelberg when 9/11 occurred. He was particularly fond of Berlin after serving there from 1950-53 while in the service. He was a devoted family man. He was always there for family members, often reading his paper or watching the news in his favorite chair, but always listening to be certain all was well. He gave his children rides to any and all events he thought they should experience which included family rides through the White Mountains, a trip to Boston to see the Russian Olympic Team with Olga Korbut, and a family trip to Washington, DC. He was an avid recycler – a commitment born of his penchant for frugality – and in his later years fixed up bikes which had been tossed to the dump and gave them to neighborhood kids. He was the original DIY guy, picking up abandoned junk and fixing it up in the garage for someone to use. He thought of others before himself. His last year and a half he resided at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta and made friends with the staff there. They gave him loving care and tended to him and his family as his life ended.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Seavey) Bonsey of Lisbon Falls; daughters Theresa Bonsey of Waterville, Joanne Bonsey of Atlanta, GA, Susan Ramsay (and spouse Scott) of Lisbon Falls and son Michael Bonsey (and spouse Diane) of Reading, MA; grandchildren Jerome Bonsey (and spouse Vanity) of Atlanta, GA, Caitlin Ramsay of Lisbon Falls, Kate McKenna (and spouse Jeff Damon) of Littleton, MA, Alexa Bonsey of Asheville, NC, and Kendra and Eva Bonsey of Reading, MA; and great-grandson Matthias McKenna. He is also survived by his sister Katherine Filocamo, and many nieces and nephews.
Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Roland’s memory to The Lisbon United Methodists Church, 14 School St, Lisbon Falls, Me 04252. Visitation will be held at Crosman on Thursday November 1, 2018 from 6-8pm. A Celebration of his life will take place on Friday November 2, 2018 at 11am at the Lisbon Falls United Methodist Church in Lisbon Falls. Interment will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta at a later date.
Condolences may be shared with Roland’s family at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Crosman Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 40 Main St. Lisbon Falls, 353-4951.
