STEPHEN BONSAL Obituary

BONSAL--Stephen. Stephen Bonsal died peacefully on July 14, 2022 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. He was born on August 9, 1935 to Dudley and Lois Bonsal in New York City. Other places he lived as he grew up included Bedford, NY and Washington, DC. He went to St. Bernard's School and Deerfield Academy, and he graduated from Yale University in 1956. After serving in the Army, he moved to New York, where he met Elizabeth "Betty" Lord, and married her in 1960. They first lived in Manhattan before moving the family in 1966 to Greenwich, CT and staying there for the next 53 years. He spent his entire career at Chubb and Son Insurance, serving as Vice President of its International Division. He and Betty remained in Greenwich until they moved to Lewes, Delaware in 2020. Steve's interests were wide- ranging. He vacationed with family in New Hampshire, where he hiked the White Mountains and relaxed on Squam Lake. He and Betty pursued their love of music and the arts both in New York, with frequent visits to the Metropolitan Opera and the Century Club, and closer to home at the Greenwich Symphony. He loved reading US and European history and mystery novels, and he built the wall-length bookcases needed to store his collection throughout the family home. The family attended First Congregational Church of Greenwich. Steve was beloved by family and friends. He was predeceased by his son Stephen Bonsal and his sister Lois Osler. In addition to Betty Bonsal, his wife of 61 years, he is survived by his daughter Elizabeth "Liz" Bonsal and her wife Tracy Toscano of Lewes, DE; son Dudley Bonsal of Harrisonburg, VA; daughter Virginia "Jenn" Nickell and her husband Jeffrey Nickell of Fairfield, CT, and their children Ellie and Jack. For his full obit, go to: parsellfuneralhomes.com

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 31, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN BONSAL

9 Entries

Roger Pearson

August 23, 2022

Dear Betty: I am writing this to you from our home in Lexington, Kentucky. Yes, you read that right. Jenni and I moved here in April, 2018, four years after selling our home on Lake Avenue. Jenni grew up here, and both of her parents are in their eightiesnow, so this allows Jenni to help "age in place", which is the trend today. I myself am now76, and I don't know if you know this or not, but I had a stroke back in 2009, so the move worked out well for me also. Jenni grew up here, and Lexington is latitudinally four hundred miles south of New York, which really goes a long way in eliminating the severity of Northeast winters.I was truly saddened to read of Stephen's passing in July, which I read earlier today. I will never forget how kind you were to me when I ran for re-election all the way back in 1985 (!).

You opened up your home, and allowed me to raise some money for my campaign, and you have been nice to me on other occasions as well. I have a picture of myself with you , Stephen and Ned Lamont at some event we were at years ago. Stephen was a wonderful, warm person, and I am sure you miss him terribly. I sincerely wish for you and your family a swift transition from what I know has been a time of acute grief and sadness for you to a time when your thoughts will be predominated by gratitude that you were blessed in your life with such wonderful companionship shared with such a unique person.
If you would like to call to say hello, my mobile phone is (203) 856-8000. Warmly and respectfully, Roger.

Jane Young

August 1, 2022

My deepest condolences on your loss of Stephen. Have missed you and your sparkle. Take good care of yourself.

Geoff and Didi Robinson

August 1, 2022

Betty,
We are thinking of you and all the many memories involving The Turkey especially. What fun we all had!
Didi and Geoff

Ann Martin

Planted Trees

nancy pierson

July 30, 2022

I will always remember our special lobster dinners at the Leizears which were so much fun. They were so much fun. Hopefully, you will come to Greenwich for a visit and I'll get to see you. xxx

Ann Blumensaadt

July 29, 2022

Robert and I were deeply saddened to learn of Stephen's passing in today's Greenwich Time. We send our condolences to Betty and her family. We remember him as the bartender at many GDTC events. He was ever the amiable host.

peter & susi orbanowski

July 29, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Diane and Paul Kretschmann

July 28, 2022

Dear Betty and family:
Our heartfelt sympathy to you all on Stephen´s passing. We hope that sweet memories of him will give you smiles and hope during this difficult time. We love you and miss you at FCCOG.
Sincerely,
Diane and Paul Kretschmann

Chris Thurlow

July 28, 2022

Dear Betty,
We are saddened to hear about Steve´s death, and know there will be a huge hole in your heart and that of your family. We wish you loving memories and the comfort of knowing that your lives together were filled with love, accomplishment, adventures, great friends, and wonderful moments together. Best regards,
Chris and Steve Thurlow

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