Patrick Joseph Bonner 1936-2023

From his earliest days until his last hours among us, Pat Bonner greeted those he loved (and they were seemingly countless) not just with a smile, but with laughter.

He was born on July 30, 1936, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Helen (Doherty) Bonner (Ellen) and Joseph Bonner, both of County Donegal, Ireland. Pat grew up in the parish of St. Luke’s in the South Bronx, New York, in a close-knit Irish neighborhood. A devout Catholic, Pat attended Cathedral Prep High School and switched to Rice High School for his senior year. 

After graduation, he worked as a teller at Citibank and soon began rising through the managerial ranks. He was drafted to the army and, according to all reports, relished his two years in the service. During his 20s, Pat made several trips to Ireland to visit his parents’ native Donegal. There he formed strong bonds with a vast network of relatives. For the rest of his days, he was diligent in keeping up those ties. He attended night school at Fordham University, pursuing a degree in economics and later completed his final credits at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

In 1966, Pat met Kathleen Egan, of County Mayo, through mutual friends. Three years later, after a chance subway encounter, their romance truly began. After three weeks of dating, Pat proposed. They were married in St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church on September 6, 1969. The young couple moved uptown to Riverdale, where they would reside for the next five decades. They welcomed their daughter, Cecilia, in July 1970. Eleven years later, in February 1982, a second daughter, Veronica, joined the family. To both girls, Pat was a deeply affectionate and inventive parent. He would prove to be an equally fun and affectionate Grandpa to his four grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Pat had many and varied interests, including astronomy (he owned a powerful telescope for many years), classical music, and conservative politics. His Catholic faith remained at the core of his identity. He was a lector at St. Margaret of Cortona in Riverdale and a member of the Knights of Columbus. However, his greatest aptitude was for cultivating affectionate bonds with others. One meeting with him was enough to cement his solicitude and goodwill. Upon a second meeting, you were greeted as an old friend. Kathleen, however, was undoubtedly his best friend and most steadfast companion.

In later years, Pat experienced a series of health setbacks. However, his aversion to complaint and inherent optimism meant that he gave his ailments short shrift. He continued to attend daily mass with Kathleen, visit with his family and, when possible, enjoy a beer with friends. The company of his children and grandchildren gave him great joy, and his devotion to his faith and his beloved Kathleen remained unshakeable. Upon parting with his loved ones, he’d often say, “Think of me now and then.” And we will.

Pat is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Helen Bonner and brother Daniel Bonner. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen, daughters Cecilia Donohoe and Veronica Clerkin (Matthew), loving grandchildren Cara and Ciaran Donohoe, and Shane and Aidan Clerkin, brother-in-law John (Joe) Kennedy and sister-in-law Philomena Kennedy. He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting hours Tuesday, December 5th 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue Bronx NY. Mass of Christian burial Wednesday, December 6th 2023 at 9:45 a.m. at St. Margaret of Cortona Church. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Children’s Aid. 

Riverdale-On-Hudson Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Patrick Bonner Funeral Mass Time: Dec 6, 2023 09:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86834681029

Meeting ID: 868 3468 1029

Please text or WhatsApp message Will Jacobson: (914) 357-3332 if you are having any issues with Zoom.