Raymond Joseph Bonina

Raymond Joseph Bonina, 81, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away on April 11, 2015, surrounded by his family.

Ray was born on December 18, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA, to Mary (Catania) and Vincent Bonina.

He attended South Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, PA.  He continued his education at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, graduating in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in business. Upon graduation, Ray began his career in the paper business. He was employed by the former Garrett Buchanan Paper Company for 30 years and eventually became President of the company.  It was there that he developed a love for the paper business and for sales. Even after retirement, his passion for the business never left him, and he remained in the workforce with various paper companies until his health declined last summer at the age of 80.

Ray truly loved people, and he had a kind and generous heart.  To Ray, strangers were simply friends he had not yet met.  His friends were so numerous that his family joked that wherever they went, Ray was bound to run into someone he knew – and he did so on the street in New York City, at a restaurant in Chicago, and even during a family walk on a beach in Mexico.  He cared deeply about all those who crossed his path, and his friends included people of all ages and from all walks of life.  There is nothing Ray would not do for a friend. 

Ray adored his beloved wife, Maureen Roth Bonina, his daughters, and his extended family.  He loved spending time at the beach in Avalon, New Jersey and Naples, Florida with his family and friends.  He was passionate about hockey, especially the Philadelphia Flyers and the Yale Bulldogs, for whom his grandson played.  In addition to various volunteer commitments over the years, he remained deeply devoted to his alma mater, St. Joseph’s University.  

Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor Naples Bonina; his parents, Mary and Vincent Bonina; and his sister, Marie Pratt.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen Roth Bonina, his daughters, Mary (Joseph) Killian; Diane Bonina (Allen Dick); and Amy Bonina (Paxton Cummings); his stepsons; Greg (Cindy) Roth; Mark (Liza) Roth; and Scott (Candi) Roth; his sister, JoAnne (Vincent) Laino; seven grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation on Saturday at 9:30 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church; 15 E. Pleasant Grove Rd; West Chester, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am.  Interment will be private at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Logan Funeral Home; Exton, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s University, via either The Saint Joseph’s Fund, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, or giving.sju.edu/donate.