Stanley D. Bonner Jr.

Stan Bonner, a long time resident of Rockville Centre, died on Nov. 10 from complications from Parkinson’s disease in Toms River, N.J., surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen Bonner (nee McLaughlin), his eight children, Ellen-Marie, Valerie, Stanley, Elizabeth, Christopher, Stephanie, Brian, and Mary Kate, three daughters-in-law, Beth Ann, Cheryle, Tiffany, three sons-in-law, Christopher, Kyle, and Richard, and eight grandchildren, Michael, Laura, Alyssa, Matthew, Jack, Lily, Grace, and Olivia. He is predeceased by his parents, Hilda (nee Forsman) and Stanley D. Bonner Sr.

Stan lived over 60 years in Rockville Centre, where he attended Wilson Elementary School and South Side High School. He graduated from Rutgers University and was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. After college, Stan served for two years in the Army during the Korean War. He met the love of his life, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, when he returned home from the service, and the couple married at St. Agnes Cathedral in 1957.

Mary Ellen and Stan lived for a few years in Baldwin before moving back to Rockville Centre to raise their eight children. A member of St. Agnes Parish, Stan was active on the Parish Council, Committee for Life and Holy Name Society. As a CYO and Little League coach for over 25 years, Stan had a positive impact on many of Rockville Centre’s youth. An athlete himself and a true sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and football.

Stan retired from a career in sales and moved to Leisure Village West in southern New Jersey. He became active with the Knights of Columbus and continued his work with other charitable causes. Stan always felt a true passion for helping children with special needs.

A Christian Mass of Burial was celebrated at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lakehurst, N.J. on Nov.16, followed by a private interment. Donations in Stan’s memory can be sent to the Knights of Columbus Fund for God’s Special Children, 1000 Buckingham Drive, Manchester, NJ 08759.