Joseph "Jay" Bonar

Joseph Vincent Bonar, 74, of Brooklyn, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on July 25, 2022 after a brief but courageous fight against cancer in Fort Myers, Florida. Born in Detroit, Michigan May 26, 1948 to the late Joseph Vincent, Sr. and Patricia (Burleson) Bonar, he was a man of many monikers and lived a bold yet gentle life.
As a boy, Joe was the proud older brother of six younger siblings whom he loved dearly and marshalled joyfully. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic elementary school as did all his siblings. In his youth, he played football with the Detroit Bulldogs and earned the title "Bean Ball Bonar" as a baseball pitcher. He went on to captain the De La Salle High School bowling team. He attended University of Michigan-Dearborn, graduating with a BSE Electrical Engineering in 1970. Shortly thereafter, he would take his first solo flight as a pilot out of Detroit City Airport, without telling his worried mother. Owning his own plane for a time, Jay would tell others that flying and being up in the clouds made him feel close to God.
Joseph always introduced himself as "Joe". The first time he introduced himself as "Jay" (an abbreviation of his initials "J.V.") was to Debbi on the night they met. He and Debbi married July 12, 1974, beginning an adventure filled life.
Jay was a man of vision and unbreakable optimism. His early ventures included owning gas stations and selling Christmas trees while in college. He and Debbi would spend several years in California where Jay exercised his entrepreneurship spirit in commercial and public development. Upon moving back to Michigan, Jay launched businesses in residential development. He built across Michigan, Florida, California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Jay navigated the highs and lows of business with an indomitable spirit, trust in the Lord, and his mothers' prayers. Jay would make friends with anyone and everyone in the room, taking great joy in dramatic retellings of past adventures and making plans for future ventures. He was never happier than when bringing someone along for a ride, whether it was by plane, boat, or a fine automobile. His best adventures were with Debbi by his side.
Jay was proud to carry his father's name, but he refused to go by Junior. When Joseph Vincent Bonar, Sr. passed away in 1988, Jay stepped up as the new family patriarch. He faithfully cared for his widowed mother until her death in 2013. He took his role of Eldest Brother seriously and extended this relationship even to those outside of the family. Jay served quietly, for many years, as conservator, benefactor, and business owner. He was particularly proud of and gratified by the work he did with St. Rita Catholic Church's outreach to the needy. He was quick to speak about his ideas and strategies and respected the dignity of those he served.
When nieces and nephews arrived, Jay enthusiastically dubbed himself Uncle Ace, especially after Joseph Vincent Bonar, II ("DUECE") was born. He reveled in a new generation of Bonars and Ursittis to look after and he enjoyed every moment of it, listening to their stories and supporting them in their endeavors. Jay loved family parties, outings at the lake, business gatherings, and UM game days.
A loyal and generous husband, brother and uncle, Jay will be truly missed and we are grateful to the Lord for blessing us with him.
Surviving Jay are his wife of 48 years, Debra Ann (Ursitti) Bonar; mother-in-law, Ann Ursitti; and brothers-in-law, Chuck (Patty) Ursitti, Steve (Diane) Ursitti and Matthew Ursitti. Also survived by siblings, James, John-Michael (Diana), Susan Mattox, Patricia (Donald) Robertson, Mary (Daniel) Judd, Gerald (Kelly); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Patricia (Burleson) Bonar and father-in law, Eric Ursitti.
Jay's Family and friends will gather from 3:00PM - 7:00PM, Rosary to begin at 7:00PM on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Eineder Funeral Homes - Brookyln Chapel (137 S. Main St., Brooklyn, MI 49230) Jay's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM, Gathering beginning at 10:00AM on Friday, August 5, 2022 at St. Rita Catholic Church (10516 Hayes Rd., Clarklake, MI 49234). His interment will take place at St. Patrick's Cavalry Cemetery, Brighton,MI. Fr. Thomas Helfrich OSFS will serve as celebrant. Please leave a message of comfort for Jay's family or sign Joe's guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com