Michael
J.
Bonahoom
Obituary
Michael J Bonahoom Jr., 88, of Fort Wayne died August 13, 2020 at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, IN. Michael was born September 14, 1931 in Chicago Heights, IL. He was the son of the late Michael Sr. and Selma Bonahoom. Michael graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1949 and the University of Dayton in 1953. He proudly served our country in the U S Army. Michael became the first male counselor and vice principal of New Haven High School and the first principal of Paul Harding High School. He was a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Phi Delta Kappa International and President of the Fort Wayne Duplicate Bridge Club. Michael is survived by his daughters, Diane (Thomas) Ensley of Fort Wayne, IN, Catherine A (John) Arnett of MD, and Regina (Philip) Talarico of New Haven, IN; sons, Michael (Lisa) Bonahoom III of Warsaw, IN, and Matthew J (Joseph) Bonahoom of Cincinnatti, OH; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; brother, Norman (Pat) Bonahoom of Fort Wayne, IN. Michael was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Anna Marie Bonahoom. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Monday, August 17, 2020 at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Rd with calling one hour prior. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 16, 2020, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, with the rosary recited at 5:30 pm. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children's Hospital.
Services
Condolences
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I met Mr. Bonahoom when my dad was assistant principal under him at Paul Harding. To me he was a gentle giant!! He and my dad can catch up in Heaven now!! My prayers to the family
I remember Uncle Mike having a positive outlook and a ready smile. When I was 11 or 12 years old and having great difficulty waxing Uncle Joe Mohre’s black 59 Ford, Uncle Mike came to my assistance and suggested reading the instructions on the can of Custom Polish… it didn’t help much but I appreciated the help. A year or two later Uncle was teaching an Andrew Carnegie class – my mom bought the book “How to win Friends and Influence People” and insisted that my brother, Tom, and I read it. It was a little over our heads at the time but many of the books precepts and the fact that Uncle Mike was a living example help guide my interactions throughout my life.
From one Dayton Flyer to another… I miss you Uncle Mike. My sincere condolences to my treasured Bonahoom Cousins.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mike. Mike was a well known educator but I did not know him personally until I started playing bridge at the Ft. Wayne Duplicate Center. I was impressed with his ability to work out bridge situations in a very calm and collected manner. He and Anna Marie were highly respected and we are grateful for all they did to promote the bridge center which is used and appreciated today.
I became acquainted with Mike & Anna Marie when I first joined the Fort Wayne Duplicate Bridge Club. They were both such kind, gracious and encouraging people to me as a beginning duplicate player. I feel enriched by having known them both. My sincere sympathy. Carol Watters
I am one of the many members of the Fort Wayne Duplicate Bridge Club who will remember Mike Bonahoom, who led the club for many years, with great affection. When I moved to Fort Wayne and came to the club in 2002, knowing no one, Mike matched me up with appropriate partners, some of whom I’m still playing with today. He was so kind in welcoming a new player and remained a wonderful leader of the club for all the years he served.
My prayers and heartfelt sympathy goes towards the family. I will remember him as an awesome principal at Paul Harding. May the Good of all comfort be with you during your time of bereavement. Carolyn Flye-Sherrill.
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man & when I got in trouble at school he was very fair when he would hand out the punishment. A wonderful Man.
I spent lots of summers with the bonahoom kids. Mike and AnnaMarie always treated me so well. I will always remember how he sang Ava Maria at my wedding. Rest in peace uncle Mike💕
To Michael Bonahoom family members. We have such wonderful memories of Mr. Bonahoom as principal of Harding High School and all the basketball games & parties afterward. We cherish he & Anna Marie’s friendship & fan support.
So sorry we are unable to attend the funeral. Please know how much we care. With sincere sympathy from the whole Frick family: Harlan, Linda, Rhonda, Julie, & Joel.
Sending much love for Uncle Mike…will always remember his sweet, smiling eyes. As sad as it is for all of us, I’m sure he will be so happy to be with your mom again!
Love,
Dawn & John Twarozynski
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. May he now Rest In Peace with his loving wife Anna Marie.
Kristi Davenport DeLauney and Family
Liz and I extend our deepest sympathy to your entire extended family upon hearing about your father’s passing, Gina. Enduring dialysis for as long as he did was certainly not easy. We also admire his lifelong dedication to secondary education. You’re in our prayers, Tom Partee.
Dear Cathy and Family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Patty and Wayne Meyer
I’m so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. I’m only sad I couldn’t meet him.
Christina Bruneau
MR. BONAHOOM, A TREASURE TO SO MANY..REST IN PEACE SIR…PRAYERS TO ALL OF HIS MANY FRIENDS AND TO THE FAMILY, MAY GODS GRACES BE WITH YOU ALL🙏🌹🌈
Thank you so much Tracy. Your kind words are so appreciated.
Love
Gina
Gina,
Your entire family embraced and befriended my family in several ways. Your dad was a gentleman who earned our respect as students by the way he treated us and his entire staff at PHHS. I pray you feel the love and encouragement from all of us today and in the days ahead. Rhonda Masierak Banister
Thank you so much Rhonda, your kind words are so appreciated. We will miss him with all our hearts.
Love
Gina
You were the principal that all other principals should be held up against. You were involved and available. Love and hugs to your family.
We love and miss you so much and we are so sorry we cannot be there. Our prayers are with everyone. Love you.
Heather Bonahoom, Casey Brooks, Ali Bonahoom