Thomas "TomBo" Bonin

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Thomas Bonin on October 20th, who went to be with the Lord at the age of 76. After a three year courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, he passed peacefully surrounded by his family at his home; where he was determined to be, in the mountains of North Conway, NH. Thomas was born in Lynn, MA to Honore and Claire Bonin.

Tom was the devoted husband of Cheryl Bonin, his “sweetie” for 51 years. In August 2024, they celebrated 50 years of marriage which included a renewal of their vows ceremony officiated by his son in-law, Minister “Will” Webster. Tom was the loving and protective father to Michael Dukett of North Conway, NH, Serena Webster of Lancaster, NH, and Kristy Bonin of Chelsea, MA. Tom always wanted to be a Pepere and was especially proud and shared a special bond with his only grandchild, Destiny Scanzillo, his “little poo-poo.”

Tom was the 9th child of 13 children. He was very proud to belong to a large family and shared many stories of what it was like to grow up with 12 siblings. Tom was predeceased by his brothers Peter Bonin, Paul Bonin, Louis Bonin, Philip Bonin, and his sisters Anne Bonin, Alice Samatis, Emilie Smyrlian, Jeanne Bradley, and Jackie Gulezian. He is survived by his brother Raymond Bonin and his sisters Cecile Zielinski and her husband Robert, Marie Folan-Escott, and much loved sister-in-law Emelie Bonin and Lucy Bonin. He was Uncle Tommy to 37 nieces and nephews. He also had multiple great nieces and nephews and preferred to be called “Gruncle” Tom by them.

Tom served in the United States Army from 1968-1971, stationed in Korea. He was a proud American Patriot to the core and spent a lot of time at the Franco- American Veterans War club in Lynn, MA socializing, playing pool, darts, or singing karaoke with his wife and friends. Tom worked as a jet engine inspector for General Electric in Lynn, MA where he retired in 2006 after 32 years.

After retirement, Tom’s happy place was always the mountains. In 2014, Tom and his wife moved to the White Mountains in North Conway, NH where they have resided for the past 11 years. There he became a member of the American Legion and met many friends at the Original Cigar shop. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch to say his prayers, feed the birds, smoke a cigar, and read the Conway Daily Sun newspaper. Tom was the man who would give his shirt off his back to help a friend or family member. If you had a problem, he would be sure to offer a solution and give you an encouraging word. He was friendly, always smiling, and enjoyed telling jokes.

The family would also like to express great appreciation for the care he received from the home health aides from the Visiting Nursing Association, and especially to Denita Dudley from the Veteran Directed Care program who provided exceptional care to Tom from the beginning. She has become family to both Tom and Cheryl.

A Celebration of Life including military Honors will be on Saturday, November 15th at 12 noon at the Cambria Hotel 1858 White Mountain Highway North Conway, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Veterans Directed Care which is Partnership for Public Health at: https://www.pphnh.org/about/donate/ or checks can also be sent to Partnership for Public Health 11 Academy Square Laconia, NH 03246

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Littleton.