Joe Bonilla

1941 - 2025

Joe Bonilla

May 16, 1941 - January 9, 2025

Selma, California - Joe Bonilla, born on May 16, 1941, in Selma, California, passed away at the age of 83 on January 9, 2025. Joe was a beloved figure in his community, known for his work ethic, athleticism, sense of humor, humility and dedication to his family.

He graduated from Selma High School in 1959 before pursuing higher education at Bakersfield Junior College then onto Oregon State University on a scholarship to play football. At both he left lasting marks on the athletic field. Joe was a formidable football player, earning the title of Junior College All-American at Bakersfield College, playing in the Junior College Rose Bowl, and later being inducted into the Oregon State Hall of Fame in 2012 after competing in the 1962 Liberty Bowl. However, he would later say his greatest accomplishment in college was meeting the love of his life and future wife, Nancy.

Professionally, Joe dedicated 34 years to teaching history and math mostly at Roosevelt Jr. High in Kingsburg, CA. His passion for sports translated into coaching roles, where he served as a wrestling coach at Roosevelt Junior High and a football coach at Selma High. Beyond education and coaching, Joe was also an entrepreneur and farmer. He spent over two decades selling produce at multiple Los Angeles Farmers Markets, briefly worked as a realtor for Century 21, and owned a video rental store among other small business ventures with his long-time business partner, Bill Weller.

Joe's personal life was filled with joy and love, particularly for his wife, Nancy Bonilla, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his children Nissa Lum, Toni Amador, B.J. and Buck Bonilla; son-in-law Rick Lum; daughters-in-law Anna and Rhonda Bonilla, 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. His son-in-law Eric Amador preceded him in death as did his 5 siblings Lucio Bonilla Jr., Antonia Ortiz, Sara De La Rosa, Jessie Aragon, Isabel Franco and his parents Maria and Lucio Bonilla.

Joe cherished his trips to Morro Bay with his wife Nancy even if just for a fish and chip day trip, vacationing in Cancun or Cabo and tent camping under the stars in Yosemite during the summers. Dove hunts on September 1 became legendary. There were many great memories hunting ducks in the Mendota fog as well. Joe loved to tell funny stories from his past, they often changed over time becoming even more hilarious. He and Nancy could often be found on Sunday mornings having breakfast at Sal's with long time friends and business partners Bill and Lynn Weller. They loved stopping by on the way home to visit their other long time friends John and Liz Thornburg, Bob and Katie McGill. Towards the end of his life he loved being driven around his old neighborhood reminiscing, driving out to the ranch in the back of the house to appreciate the changing seasons, sampling the produce and visiting with long time assistants Armando, Guero, Gustavo and Marilene.

Services for Joe will be held with a viewing at Farewell-Page Funeral Chapel in Selma, CA, on Thursday, February 6, from 4-6 p.m. followed by a rosary. A church service is scheduled at St. Joseph in Selma on Friday, February 7, at 9 a.m., with burial services to follow at Selma Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Selma Portuguese Hall after the burial services. Joe's life and legacy will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, as a dedicated educator, husband, friend, coach, farmer, athlete and loving family man.