Robert J. Bonner | Electrical engineer, 71

Robert J. Bonner, 71, of Upper Providence, Delaware County, a retired electrical engineer and church sacristan, died of lung cancer Wednesday at his home.

Mr. Bonner's mother died when he was 6, and he grew up in an orphanage in West Philadelphia with his four brothers. His two sisters were cared for by an aunt and uncle. He graduated from St. Thomas More High School, where he ran track and was sports editor for the school newspaper. From 1958 to 1962, he served in the Navy on a helicopter search-and-rescue squadron based in Lakehurst, N.J.

After his discharge from active duty, Mr. Bonner worked for ITE Circuit Breaker in Philadelphia while earning an associate's degree in engineering from Temple University. He later earned a bachelor's degree in business from Widener University. When ITE was acquired by ABB, Mr. Bonner remained with that firm as an electrical engineer until the early 1990s.

After retiring from ABB, he was a sacristan at St. Louis Church in Yeadon and maintained the church and school buildings until a few months ago.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Kathleen Mylotte Bonner; sons John and Robert; a grandson; and a brother.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 Providence Rd., Media. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at O'Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.