Search by Name

Search by Name

Gilbert Bonner Obituary



Dr. Gilbert Bonner

Resident of San Jose

Nov. 22, 1923-Dec. 23, 2010

Gilbert was the beloved husband of the late Helen Krikorian Bonner. He is survived by his daughter Diane (Genie) Stressing, son Keith Bonner, grandchildren Jill & David Silveira, Debra & Mike McRoberts, Heidi & Sylas Jumper, Becky Bonner, Christian & Jamie Bonner, Adam Bonner and great-grandchildren Marissa & Zach Silveira, Abby McRoberts and Ashton & Gage Jumper.

Gilbert was born in Plattsburg, New York. He also served in World War II with the 411th infantry in the European campaign. After his release from the service he married Helen and became a dentist. In 1954 he opened the first dental practice in Milpitas, California and retired in 1986.

Gilbert died in Ephraim, Utah were services will be held. He will be buried at a later date at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery in Santa Clara, California.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Bonner

Not sure what to say?





Rosa M. Mizerski

January 4, 2011

Dear Jill, Debbie, Keith & kids, and Diane,

Dan and I are sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your grandfather (and your grandmother). I'll never forget that they adopted a stray, little black dog whom they spoiled like a kid. There are so many great memories, and many stories that your grandfather shared like those of the war. Take care.

---Dan and Martha Mizerski

Nancy Villarreal

January 4, 2011

Dear Diane, Keith, Jill and Debbie, and to all the grandchildren/great grandchildren: I am so sorry for your loss. I myself will never forget how Mr. Bonner welcomed me and my family to his home all the time. I have the fondest memories of him growing up making us laugh, letting us swim on those hot summer days, picking as many pomegranates from the tree in front of the house and it enjoying with my best friend, Debbie. Thank you for your hospitality and for ALWAYS WAVING hello and goodbye every time we passed by the house. You will be missed and never forgotten!!!

Marian Sharp

January 3, 2011

To the Family of Dr. Bonner~~
I also worked for Dr. Bonner for many years and he was our family Dentist. What a kind and caring man he was. He cared for and talked about his family and how proud he was of his children.
He will now be in heaven with Helen and have that big smile on his face while he looks down on all of you.
Our prayers, Marian Roddy Sharp

Jerry Glass

January 3, 2011

I first met Dr Bonner in 1981 when I first began to practice dentistry in Milpitas. I was worried about everything. Gil was the guy to go to if one needed advice. He’d been around long enough to have seen it all. “Aw, don’t worry about that”, he’d say and then proceed to tell you the latest joke. I recall later in 1985 when Gil was getting ready to retire, he and I were in a six month long meet-once-a-month all day class involving some "new" dental technique. As it was common knowledge that Gil was going to retire and I asked him why he was taking the class. After all the class was a bit pricey and took a lot of time. He’d only be able to use the knowledge gained for a few months. He just said that he had some patients that needed the care and he wanted to be able to finish them up properly. That was Dr. Bonner. He was always learning and caring for his patients the best he could. We'll miss you Dr Bonner.

Shannon Barry

January 3, 2011

I am a reporter from the Milpitas Post working on an article about Gilbert Bonner and his impact on the community here.
For those who have already left messages or those who would like to share their reflections, please call me at 408-262-2454 by the end of the day today (Jan. 3, 2011) or tomorrow morning (Jan. 4, 2011).

I am sorry for your loss. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon to keep Gilbert Bonner alive in memory.

Warm Regards,

Shannon Barry

Shannon Barry

January 3, 2011

I am a reporter from the Milpitas Post working on an article about Gilbert Bonner and his impact on the Milpitas community as the first dentist here.
For those of you who have already left messages or even those who haven't who have reflections they would like to sure, I would like to talk to you by the end of the day today (Monday, Jan. 3) or tomorrow morning, Jan. 4. Please call me at 408-262-2454 to share your thoughts.

I am looking forward to hearing back from you soon.

Warm Regards,
Shannon Barry

Debra McRoberts

January 1, 2011

Hey Gramps,

Thank you for all the time I got to spend with you. Thank you for all your love, support and wisdom. How lucky was I to be able to live seven houses from you and literally see you everyday growing up, even if it was a wave through the kitchen window. What would Jill and I have done if we didn't have you and Granny looking out for us. All my fondest memories as a child include both of you. Swimming in your pool, drinking ice tea and watching the Giants and stopping by your house before school for a cup of coffee (I am not so sure a sixth grader should be drinking coffee though). Thank you for always having my favorite snacks.....mint chip ice cream and funions on hand, although I think you enjoyed them just as much as me. Thank you for teaching me the importance of reading the newspaper everyday from cover to end and to love all animals. Most of all thank you for being the best Grandpa anyone could ever ask for! They just don't make them like they use to. I love you! Rest in peace.

Your granddaughter,

Debra

Newton -|-

December 31, 2010

To the Bonner family, sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his LOVE, PEACE, and STRENGTH in this time of sorrow. I want to thank him for serving his country to keep us SAFE and FREE he is a HERO to many. May he R.I.P -|-

David Marshall

December 31, 2010

I was a patient of Dr. Bonner's since the late 1950's when his office was on Main Street. He helped to inspire me to eventually become a dentist myself. I have many many fond memories of Dr. Bonner. He is in my prayers. God Bless.

Sincerely,
Dr. David Marshall

December 30, 2010

I worked for your dad from 1960-1965 when you were both little kids. He was the best person I have ever worked for and I have fond memories of the many friendships he had and how he loved his family. You should be proud of him for his wonderful work and true values. He will be missed. Arlene Gunlickson Landes

December 29, 2010

My sympathy to you Diane , Keith
and entire family. My mom and I would
run into your dad shopping in the 'hood'
He was always so friendly and nice.
Sorry for your great loss. Kathy Prunk

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Gilbert Bonner's name

Memorial Events
for Gilbert Bonner

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Gilbert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gilbert Bonner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more