Mr. Harold P. Bonifas

Mr. Harold P. Bonifas, 92, of Columbia, SC, died on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Born on a farm (home) on January 31, 1933, a very cold day in Adams County, NE, he was a son of the late Lawrence Bonifas and the late Lillian Bonifas. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Bonifas and Lawrence Bonifas; and survived by his sister, Sister Alverda Bonifas O.P., St. Catherine, Kentucky.
After graduating from high school in Adams County, NE, Harry attended Conception Abbey, Missouri. He served two years in the Army. While living in Lincoln, Nebraska, he met Rita, and the two married in 1959. Together, they had two daughters, Gayle and Robin. They lived in Vineland, New Jersey until 1995, when they retired and moved to Columbia, South Carolina. Harry became an active member at St. John Neumann Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also served as an usher. He found great joy in his involvement with his church family. In his free time, Harry loved golfing, swimming, and spending time with those he cared about. His commitment to family, faith, and community defined his life, and his warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rita A. Bonifas; daughters, Gayle Rush (Cy) and Robin Keyes (Raymond); grandchildren, Tripp Rush (Sara Beth), Lauren Rush, Elizabeth Olsgaard (Neal), Raymond Keyes IV, and Jillian Keyes; great-grandchildren, Cyril Berwyn Rush IV, Robert Harold Rush, Bailey Elizabeth Olsgaard, and John Rush Olsgaard.
A visitation will be held on March 22, 2025, from 9 to 10 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC, 29223, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 AM. Burial will take place at Assumption Church Cemetery, Assumption, NE, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 2101 Rexford Rd #165W, Charlotte, NC 28211; St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223 or any other charity of one's choice, in loving memory of Mr. Harold P. Bonifas.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.