In Memory
John J. Bonk - Class Of 1978
| "Your son Johnny only changed duty stations. He's still marching with us. Marching with courage, fortitude and peace."
- A Marine Corps pallbearer to Mrs. Catherine Bonk Under a slate-gray November sky, Marine Sgt. John J. Bonk Jr. was laid to rest yesterday morning at Resurrection Cemetery in Bucks County, with full honors from the elite military force that was as much a part of his life as the grief-stricken family that assembled around his open grave. "Johnny's letters from Lebanon spoke of peace. Yet he and his fellow Marines, murdered in that cowardly act of destruction, found themselves in the midst of war," said the Rev. Michael McFadden during a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated earlier for Bonk, 22, at St. Adalbert's Roman Catholic Church in Port Richmond. "We can't interpret Johnny's death or life by a single event. But we do know that blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons and daughters of God," said the priest, a cousin of Bonk. Bonk was among the more than 230 U.S. servicemen killed in the bombing of the Marine barracks at Beirut International Airport on Oct. 23, resulting in the largest single-day loss of American servicemen since the Vietnam War. A Marine honor guard carried Bonk's gunmetal-gray casket into St. Adalbert's, a twin-spired, Gothic church that serves as a religious and social center for the large Polish-American population of Port Richmond. The Bonk family lives in the parish and operates a tavern less than a mile from the church. Bonk joined the Marine Corps after graduating from Bensalem High School. His father, John J. Bonk Sr.; his mother, Catherine; his widow, Carol; his brothers, Tommy and Kevin; and sisters, Cathy and Tricia, led the march of mourners that followed the color guard into the church. "No words can take away the loneliness, sadness and heartbreak we feel today," said Father McFadden. "One of the ironies of fate is to feel the love of God when we need him the most." The service at the Bensalem cemetery was short and precise. Father McFadden led the faithful in prayers. Taps was played. A rifle salute broke the stillness. And John Bonk Sr., a red rose clutched tightly in his right hand, saluted the Marine color guard as the flag that had draped Bonk's casket was folded and turned over to the family at the end of the ceremonies. |
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| Philadelphia Daily News (PA) |
| Date: November 5, 1983 |
| Edition: 4* |
| Page: 4 |
| Record Number: 8301280740 |
| Copyright (c) 1983 Philadelphia Daily News |
Catherine E. Markert (Jakubowski) (1976)
John died for our country on October 23, 1983 in the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. He was my brother, Greg Markert's(79)(LTC, PAARNG) best friend. He was a hero.Cathy (Markert) Jakubowski (76)
Gregory L. Markert (1979)
A good friend and a hero. The guys will never forget you buddy.Margaret A. Perriolo (Wolset) (1979)
Remember John from St Charles...always a nice kid..God Bless...Margaret M. Kennedy (O'Brien) (1978)
John You always rembered in my heart and I always honor you as each October passes. I never forget the call from my mother Norma O'Brien as that was a sad October for all that knew you. Rest in peace