Michael Arthur Bonner

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael A. Bonner, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who had a remarkable sense of humor that brightened the lives of those around him. Michael unexpectedly passed away on April 8, 2023, at the age of 73.

He was born in November 1949 in Chicago, IL to Carmen and Ethel Buonauro. It snowed on the day he was born. He spent his early years in Chicago and Elmhurst, IL.

Michael attended Saint Norbert College in De Pere, WI where he earned a degree in Chemistry and met his future wife, Sandra Krueger.

After graduating in 1971, he and Sandy married. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and joy. They had two daughters, Carrie Meridith and Jori Beth. During their 51-year marriage, he and Sandy lived in Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia. He resided in Big Canoe, Georgia at the time of his passing.

Also in 1971, he landed a job as a lab technician at Benjamin Moore & Co., where he climbed the corporate ladder and had 15 jobs during his 35-year career, including Vice President of R&D and CEO of Technical Coatings Co. He had a natural talent for making people laugh, and was respected and admired by his colleagues.

Michael lived his life with a sense of adventure and integrity. He sought to connect with those he encountered in his day-to-day life and strived to positively impact the lives of others. He enjoyed scotch and fine wine, his morning cup of coffee, and sunrises and sunsets. He was happiest spending time with family and when traveling. His intentional joy in simple pleasures and living in the present moment was an inspiration to those around him.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his two daughters, Carrie Mellage and Jori O’Hanley, his sons-in-law, John Mellage and Sean O’Hanley, four grandchildren, Alexa, Ryan, Laurel, and Noel, his sister, Kathy (Frank) Rossi, and his pet Peeve (his dog, aka Loki).

A celebration of life is being planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Michael can be made to the World Central Kitchen, a local food bank, or to a charity of your choice.

‍

‍