Bruce R Bonner

Born November 20, 1946 in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the oldest son of the late Gilbert Belmont Bonner and Edith Parkinson Bonner. After graduating from Union-Endicott High School in Endicott, New York, Bruce furthered his education at Rutgers University and North Carolina State University where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. Later he attended the University of Vermont and received a master’s degree in electrical engineering. His career as an engineer began in 1969 with IBM from which he retired in 1993. After his IBM career, he worked for Mecklenburg County ABC Board.

Bruce enjoyed gardening; watching the Carolina Panthers, the New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers; and blood and pheresis donations at the American Red Cross. He loved spending time with his friends and family. Growing up Bruce was very active in Boy Scouts and was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. At NCSU, he was president of the Inter Dormitory Council and member of Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. He became a member of Eta Kappa Nu, an honorary electrical engineering fraternity, while at the University of Vermont. During his years at IBM, he served as President of the IBM Club.

He is survived by his wife, Julianne Parham Bonner; two children, David Bonner of Alexandria, Virginia and Jennifer Bonner Swegan of Charlotte; and two grandchildren Isabella Reese Swegan and Christopher Grant Swegan. He is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy Bonner of Endicott, New York and Beverly Pettigrew of Medford, Oregon; and two brothers, Chris Bonner of Charlotte and Brian (Christine) Bonner of Cincinnati, Ohio; three nieces and six nephews, and two grandnieces and three grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia A. Bonner; by his brother-in-law Thomas R. Pettigrew and his niece Kelly A. Pettigrew.

A service to celebrate Bruce’s life will be held at a future date.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider the Jimmy V Foundation, American Red Cross, and the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.