SMYRNA – Vernon F. Bonhotal, 83, husband of Helen Bonhotal, died on Sept.. 19, 2008. The memory of his life will be a precious treasure to many. He was thoughtful, faithful, kind and gentle.
Born on Oct. 28, 1924 to Jules and Marie (Obringer) Bonhotal in West Nyack, he went to local schools and graduated from Nyack High School. From 1943-46, Vernon joined the U.S. Army and served in the OSS in China, working on encryption. After three years of service, Vernon studied as an ROTC student, earning a B.S. in Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University in 1950. As a new officer, he returned to military service as a forward observer in the Korean War, from 1950-52.
After his return, he worked for the Journal News in Nyack. He courted Helen Koop, whom he married on June 19, 1954. Together they raised five children and created their business, Bonhotal Advertising. From 1960 through 1988, they worked on extensive scholastic and administrative publications for Clarkstown Central Schools. They produced school newspapers and literary magazines for many Rockland County high schools and colleges, as well as journals and business publications for organizations in the greater metropolitan area. Family talks and camping trips were memorable.
Vernon retired to Smyrna where he worked together with Helen to make their second home a place of beauty for their family and friends to enjoy. In June, they celebrated 54 years of marriage.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Laurence. He is survived by Helen, of the home; his children and their spouses: John and Lysa Bonhotal, Ann and Bill Kelchin, Jean Bonhotal and Lincoln Fancher, Barbara and Don Gruenbacher, and Paul and Lisa Bonhotal; his grandchildren (and spouses): Jeremy and Jacob Bonhotal, Jenna and Melanie Petrone, Shannon (and Isaac Rios), Jackie Kelchin (and Adam Blair), Ben, Andrea, Rachel and Bryan Kelchin, Dan and Will Fancher, Rose, Peter, Joy and Antonio Gruenbacher, Angelina, Christina and Nicholas Bonhotal; and great-grandchild Kate Rios.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton and at 11 a.m. from St. Mary’s Church, Wylie Street, Hamilton, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow with military honors in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hamilton.
Friends are invited and may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rosary will be recited at 4:45 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Smyrna Public Library, the Smyrna Volunteer Fire Dept. or the Smyrna Rescue Squad, Smyrna NY 13464.