Joseph J. Bonner

Joseph John Bonner 

“Joe”

1951– 2026

Joseph John “Joe” Bonner was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 10th, 1951.  He is one of nine siblings born to Marie Casey & Hugh Bonner, all raised in St Cyril’s parish in East Lansdowne.  Joe graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1969, and then the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1973, lettering in basketball at both schools.

Joe worked in the insurance industry for over 40 years, highlighted by a 20 year stretch as underwriting manager for JC Taylor Antique Automobile Agency.  He met and made many great friends and colleagues along the way and developed a passion for classic cars. 

Joe was a beloved person; be it as a son, brother, nephew, cousin, teammate, uncle, colleague, husband, father, neighbor, patient, or a friend.  He had a knack for connecting with people - always witty and with a great sense of humor and a big heart.  He loved to golf, going to the shore, and spending time with friends and family.  Watching sports (especially with a camcorder when his sons played) and listening to music were some of his favorite pastimes.  Most of all, he enjoyed connecting with friends and family - catching up on the phone or sharing stories around a dinner table.  Of all his nicknames or titles, Joe was most proud to be known as “Bop” to his 5 grandchildren. He made each one of them feel uniquely loved, and special. 

Joe battled heart disease over the last several years and passed away on March 14th, 2026.  His wife Nancy was by his side the whole way through, as he fought with considerable strength against long odds.  May Joe finally find the rest he so deserved in Heaven, and may his spirit carry on in the hearts of all those who were lucky enough to have known him. 

Survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy (McNulty) Bonner; children, Casey Joseph Bonner (Alanna) & Patrick Joseph Bonner (Kailyn); grandchildren, Ryan, Cara, Charlie, Tommy, & Tessa; his sister-in-law Susan McNulty; siblings, Mary Sinclair, Beau (Caryn) Bonner, Peg Fusco, John (Alison) Bonner, Dee (Fred) Dunbar, Pat (Dennis) Perotti and Kathy(Rich) Cooke-Clark.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Frank (Betty Jane). He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation 8:30-10:15am Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026 where his Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am.Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s memory made to St. Francis of Assisi School Rebuilding Fund (https://sfaschool.com/donatetosfa), St Jude Hospital for Children (https://www.stjude.org), or any charity benefiting children of your choice.

Disclaimer - The below flower and tree options were not selected or endorsed by the family however we are unable to remove these options as they are a part of the website’s revenue system that keeps it online. Thank you for your understanding.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph J. Bonner, please visit our floral store.