Bruce B. Bonner Jr. Obituary (1942 - 2025)

Bruce Barrows Bonner Jr., 82, of Westford, Massachusetts passed away on January 13, 2025 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Bruce was born May 14, 1942 in Springfield, Massachusetts to Dorothy Lois (Griswold) Bonner and Bruce Barrows Bonner of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He attended Springfields Technical High School and earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While at UMass, he met Sue Ellen Barden (originally of Barberton, Ohio), and the two were married August 7, 1965. Following college, Bruce and Sue settled in Amherst, where he was employed as an engineer by the UMass Physical Plant department. In 1972, Bruce took an engineering position at Harris Environmental Systems in Winchester, and the couple moved to Westford. After 17 years of experience in the environmental room business, in 1989 Bruce became an entrepreneur, launching Bonner Systems, Inc. in North Chelmsford. He and Sue built the fledgling company into a reputable and successful environmental systems business which they operated together until their retirement in 2006. A family man throughout his life, Bruce was a devoted husband and father. His children, Beth and Brett, fondly remember growing up in a happy household where education, honesty, hard work, and integrity were highly valued. Bruce was a consummate craftsman. His 70+ years of woodworking experience are reflected in innumerable heirloom furniture pieces and other objects throughout his home and those of other family members. He adored having his children and grandchildren work with him in the woodshop, where he could pass on his knowledge and passion for the craft. He also took on many home improvement projects; there was almost nothing he could not build, fix, or improve around the house, and he left every house he lived in better than he found it. Bruce was a member of the Jaycees service organization in Amherst, where he rose to become chapter president. When the Bonners moved to Westford, they were active members and supporters of First Parish Church, holding key roles on various church committees for many years. In 1979 they began a tradition of handmade, personalized wooden Christmas tree ornaments sold at the annual Church fair, items which today continue to be treasured by many. In recent years they became supporters of many local non-profit organizations, especially Groton Hill Music Center in Groton, MA, where they enjoyed attending concerts. Bruce is survived by his wife Sue Ellen; his daughter Beth Ann (Bonner) Carney and husband Sean Carney of Dunstable; and his son Brett Barden Bonner and wife Katharine (Radin) Bonner of Littleton. He also leaves five grandchildren: Anneliese and Ryan Carney and Elliot, Jonah, and Audrey Bonner. He is mourned by his siblings Marjorie (Bonner) Pasternak of West Berlin, NJ, Craig Bonner of Athol, MA, and Donald Bonner of Avon, CT and their families. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours at First Parish Church (48 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886) on February 8, 2025 from 1 to 3 PM with a funeral service to follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruces name to Groton Hill Music, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton, MA 01450 or at Groton Hill Music Service Details Visitation When February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location First Parish Church United of Westford Address 48 Main Street WESTFORD, MA 01886 Funeral Service When February 8, 2025 3:00pm Location First Parish Church United of Westford Address 48 Main Street WESTFORD, MA 01886