Peter Joseph Polumbo

Peter J. Polumbo, 85, left us on August 28, 2023, to be with his children once again. A reunion we are sure made the Heavens rejoice!  

Born June 14, 1938 to Frank and Mary Polumbo in Akron, Ohio, he grew up farming , hunting and fishing in Rootstown, Ohio where he lived until 1999, before moving to North Carolina.  Peter graduated from Rootstown High School in 1956.  This is where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Kenward.  They married on August 1, 1959.  He then graduated from Kent State University and started his career as an Accountant for General Tire/Omnova and worked there until his retirement in 1999.

Peter and Bonnie were blessed with five children, Thomas, Donald, David, Catherine and Karen.  Unfortunate circumstances took the boys in early childhood.  Peter took that loss and worked to make a home away from home for other parents by being an integral part of forming, building, and opening The Ronald McDonald house in Akron, Ohio.  He served on the Board as Treasurer and then President from 1986 to 1989.  

Peter and Bonnie spent many winters in Zephyrhills, Florida where they enjoyed the weather and being with friends playing cards, going to dinner, many trips to Busch Gardens and visits from the grandkids.  They were avid card players and travelers.  Many card games were played and trips were enjoyed with Special Friends such as Fred (deceased) and Frances Gauer, and Family Dick and Ida Mae Schoppelrey.

Peter is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and daughters Catherine (Patrick) Sullivan and Karen (Moe) Rice.  He is also survived by grandchildren Angela (Travis) Rutledge, Gina Sullivan, Ethan Rice, Benjamen (Leah) Rice and Mia Rice. Great-grandchildren are Evangeline Rutledge and Chloe Keel, all of Concord, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Polumbo; his brother, Ralph Polumbo; sons, Thomas Polumbo, Donald Polumbo and David Polumbo.  He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Dominick Sullivan.

A private service will be held for the immediate family in Concord, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Ronald McDonald House in Akron, Ohio (www.rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/) or to Hospice & Pallative Care of Cabarrus County, NC (atriumhealth.org/medical-services/specialty-care/other-specialty-care-services/hospice-palliative-care/cabarrus-county#give) in his memory.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Polumbo family.