Obituary of James M. Bonner

Jim “Harp” Bonner died peacefully on Tuesday, January 21st at home, surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer.  He was 90 years old.

Harp was born and raised in the Greys Ferry Section of South Philadelphia, the third youngest of 11 children, growing up poor during the Great Depression.  His mother nicknamed him “Harpo” after Harpo Marx because of his long, red curly hair.  As a child, he earned money selling holy water to the neighbors and programs at Franklin Field and Municipal Stadium, acquiring salesmanship skills that would help land a real job later in life.  

He attended St. Gabe’s Grammar School and Southeast Catholic (now Nuemann-Goretti) High School. At age 16, he joined the Army, was assigned to the First Cavalry Division, and proudly served his country in Japan. 

Upon returning from Japan, he met the love of his life, Peggy Masciulli at a dance at St. Al’s Parish. She asked this handsome veteran if he would accompany her to the Hallahan High School prom.  He said yes. They were married in 1953, and had recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.  

Harp was a star baseball player in the highly competitive Philadelphia Industrial League, recruited to work at General Electric to play on the company baseball team.  His teams played games throughout the Philadelphia Area, and he loved to tell the story that he played his best game at Greaterford State prison, where he hit two home runs in the same game (for the visiting team). 

He enjoyed the baseball at GE but not the fumes in the factory, and landed a job as a milkman, citing those early experiences as a salesman. He would work 32 years as a milkman for various companies, including Martin Century Farms, Lehigh Valley, Foremost, and Abbotts Dairies.  He was a 32 year member of Teamsters Local 676.

When home delivery of milk became a thing of the past, he landed a job as a teller at the newly re-opened Garden State Park, where he would work another 10 years.  In his 40 plus years as a working man, Harp never missed a day of work.  

After living in Southwest Philly in the early days of their marriage, Harp and Peggy moved to Oak Valley in 1959, where they raised their three sons.

Like many members of the Greatest Generation, Harp focused his attention on his community.  He was involved in the formation of the newly formed St. Margaret’s Parish in Woodbury Heights.  He was a third degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council 1994 and a member of VFW Post 7679.  He was a member of the Pitman Men’s Golf Association for over 50 years, where he also served a term as its president.    He was a baseball manager and coach and one of the founding fathers of the Oak Valley Athletic Association.

He was an avid bowler, and enjoyed many hours at the racetrack.  But after his baseball playing days were over, Harp took his skills and competitiveness to the golf course.  He would play Pitman Golf Course two or three times a week for almost 60 years, walking and carrying his bag

well into his eighties.  He also got to play many of the finest courses in the area as well as in Ireland.

More than anything else, Harp loved his 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, following their games and activities all over South Jersey, never missing a baseball or basketball game, swim meet, piano recital, dance recital, or gymnastics event.

Harp made friends wherever he went.  His friendly smile, positive outlook, and engaging personality endeared him to all he met.  No matter the venue, Harp always had a crowd around him as he regaled the group with his stories.   

To know Harp was to love Harp.  He will be sorely missed.

Family

He is the beloved husband of 66 wonderful years to Margaret Bonner (nee Masciulli).  Devoted father of James Bonner (Cyndi), Dennis Bonner (Clare) and Michael Bonner (Terry).  Cherished grand Pop of Erin (Dan), Chris (Jenna), Marykate (Dave), Meagan, Kevin (Jackie), Brian (Lauren), Caitlin (Louie), Kelly (Nico), Bridget and Casey.  Adored great grand Pop of Lincoln, Sloane, Christopher, Kyle, Logan, Wes and Molly.  Son of the late Maryellen and Bernard Bonner.  He will be missed by many family and friends.

Farewell Tribute

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, January 24th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM and Saturday, January 25th from 8:30AM to 10:00AM in the McGuinness Funeral Home - Woodbury, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury NJ.  Funeral Mass to follow in the Church of the Incarnation, 240 Main St., Mantua, NJ. Interment will be private by the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the JWood Platt Caddie Scholarship.

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