Stephanie Bondinell

Devoted wife, mother, and educator, Stephanie (Honcharuk) Bondinell of Deltona, FL passed away on August 18, 2024, at seventy-five years old in Orlando, FL. Born November 22, 1948, in Passaic, NJ, she grew up in Little Falls, NJ graduating from Passaic Valley High School. Stephanie was married to Paul Bondinell for fifty-two years until his death in December of 2023. The couple lived in Bloomingdale, NJ with their son Paul until 1980 when they relocated to Deltona, FL.

Stephanie was an award-winning and beloved educator with over forty years of experience. Her journey to teaching began at William Paterson University in New Jersey where she graduated with a B.A. in Education; she went on to earn her M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from Stetson University. Stephanie started teaching in Bloomingdale, NJ and retired from a long and storied career as a Guidance Counselor at Deltona Lakes Elementary School.

The accolades Stephanie received during her career are a testament to her dedication and love for her students and the teaching profession. In 1996, she was awarded Volusia County Teacher of the Year, and in the same year, she won first place in the Sunshine State Public Relations Association’s “Sunshine Medallion Project.” She was also the recipient of the Outstanding Education Partnership Award. Most notably, The City of Deltona proclaimed September 3, 2013, as “Stephanie Bondinell Day” in recognition and thanks for her many years of service to the community. Stephanie thought of teaching as “both a science and an art” stating that “I believe that my ability to relate personally to my students is just as important as my instructional methods. I see them around school, and let them know they all have worth, talents, and something to contribute.” She made a career of seeing the best in students and helping them reach their potential.

Always ready for an adventure, Stephanie and her husband Paul extensively traveled the country visiting almost all fifty states. Wherever they found themselves, there was always a visit to a casino where Stephanie could play a round of Wheel of Fortune. She was a Jersey Girl at heart, and she, her husband, and son spent many summers visiting extended family in NJ. A lifetime fan of concerts and musicals, Stephanie frequented Broadway shows, and artists including James Brown and Billy Joel. Throughout her career and good times, she was a devoted wife and mother to her husband and son and then her grandchildren doting on them and celebrating even the smallest of milestones.

Stephanie is predeceased by her husband Paul Bondinell, her parents Peter Honcharuk and Gloria (Burden) Honcharuk, and brother Paul Honcharuk. She is survived by her beloved son, Paul Bondinell (Lindsay) and grandchildren Allison, Dylan, and Emily, her sister Diane (Honcharuk) Lubrano, and brother George Burden along with many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and in-laws.

A Memorial to honor the life and legacy of Stephanie will be held on Sunday, August 25 from 1-5 at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Monday August 26 at 10 am.

Known for her unwavering positivity and a smile that could light up the world, Stephanie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all that had the good fortune of meeting her.

Kindness, generosity and service to others: these are the attributes that defined Stephanie in life and now in death. Let us all pay tribute to the memory of this great woman by living her legacy.

A public visitation for Stephanie will be held Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763. A graveside committal will occur Monday, August 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at External Service Location, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763.