Paul Bonzo

Lydle Paul Bonzo, 85, of New Sewickley Township, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2016, while under the loving care of his family and compassionate support of Vitas Hospice. Paul was born November 14, 1930 in Ellwood City, PA, son of the late Rex and Bertha (Binder) Bonzo. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and resumed his employment with Columbia Gas, retiring after 46 years of service.

In his younger days, Paul enjoyed hunting in the forest of Cameron County where he and his brother had a cabin; and fishing on the lakes of Moraine State Park and Pymatuning Dam, particularly for Walleye. Paul was also a self-taught skilled electrician, plumber and carpenter. He was a proverbial “jack-of-all-trades” kind of guy. He could literally make, fix or repair anything; and was thrilled to help anyone, whether a family member or friend.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two brothers: Ray and Lewis; and his sister: Bernadette.

Surviving to mourn his loss and celebrate his life are: his wife of 61 years: Marilyn (McDowell) Bonzo; six children and spouses: Paula Bonzo, Los Gatos, CA; Rick Bonzo, New Sewickley Township; Karen Ruskin, Conway; Eileen (David) Gormley, New Sewickley Township; Janet (Timothy) Wigton, Sr., Ellwood City; Lori (Rusty) Barnes, New Sewickley Township; two grandchildren: Corinna Ruskin, Conway; Taylor Ruskin, Beaver Falls; his brother: Kenneth Bonzo, Ellwood City; and longtime friend and loving caregiver: Rose Fox, New Sewickley Township.

Friends will be received on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; and on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum).

Military Honors will be presented at 1 p.m. Saturday, in the funeral home, by members of the Beaver County Special Unit. A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow. Private interment will be in the Garden of the Last Supper, Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

On behalf of their mother, the daughters wish to acknowledge the sacrificial loving care their brother Rick provided to Dad; and extend thanks to Vitas Hospice for their compassionate care. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com