Obituary of Howard L. Bonis

Howard L. Bonis Jr., of Arrowsic ME., 72, died Monday January 23, 2017. Howard died peacefully with his wife by his side and surrounded by his children. Howard was born, March 5, 1944, in Norwalk, Connecticut to Howard L. Bonis Sr. and Mary Castango Bonis. He grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was a member of the first graduating class of Brien McMahon High School in 1962. After high school Howard attended Norwalk Community College before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him a purple heart and bronze star with valor. While in Vietnam he served as a Fire Team Leader with the Company F. Second Battalion, Fourth Marines. He was medically retired from the United States Marine Corps. Howard married Susan Walker Bonis on September 9, 1967. Howard met Navy Corpsman Susan Walker at St. Albans Naval Hospital on Long Island, NY ,while he was recovering from injuries sustained on the battlefield He went on to graduate from American International College with a degree in Political Science, and later earned his Master's Degree in Special Education from Salem State University. The most rewarding years of his professional career were spent as an educator in both public and private schools. Howard leaves his wife of 49 years, Susan Walker Bonis; his daughter Katherine Burnham her husband Stephen and their daughter Reilly of Wakefield, Ma.; his son Timothy his wife Emily and their daughters Leah and Alaina of Bath, ME.; his daughter Meg Knowles her husband Kenneth and their son Walker and daughter Clara of Rockport, Ma. and his son Patrick and his wife Elizabeth and their sons Odin and Cullen of South Kent, Ct.; his brother Richard Bonis of AZ.; his sister Darlene Vento of Norwalk Ct., and his brother James Bonis of Southbury, Ct. He is predeceased by his sister Jolene Spader. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, friends and family. A celebration of his life will take place in Maine in the summer of 2017. He will be privately interred at Arlington National Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Hill House and CHANS for the compassionate care and loving support. We ask you to celebrate Howard by having a root beer float, eating an eclair or dancing with someone you love.