NJA0917.qxp_NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE 8/25/17 10:58 AM Page 32
“An
IN MEMORIAM
Unbelievable
Person”
AASP/NJ Remembers Roland Bonner On July 20, the AASP/NJ community was stunned to learn of the sudden passing of former AASP/NJ Mechanical Shop of the Year award recipient, Roland Bonner, at the age of 51. A lifelong car enthusiast, Bonner exemplified time and again his perseverance and generous nature. He was a devoted family man who loved his wife of 26 years, Darlene, and never failed to remind his two children, Roland and Elena, how proud he was of their accomplishments. Bonner made a name for himself in the industry through his time at Marmora Shell in Marmora and Dorsey’s Old Place in Corbin City. His employees remember him best for how he even made work enjoyable, as anyone that knew him
could attest to his dry sense of humor. Towards the end of his life, he became interested in the physical and mental endurance of triathlon training. He was seen by the locals of the Corbin City/ Tuckahoe area swimming in the Tuckahoe River countless times, and he himself would tell you the downright ridiculous number of miles he ran or biked. Anyone who knew him can attest to the fierce dedication he possessed with everything he did. His zeal for life and passion to better his community will never be forgotten. AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell credits Bonner for his work (alongside Past President Bob Everett) in building up the mechanical side of the association
in the early 2000s. He remembers the former Board member as a true professional who went above and beyond to support his industry. “Roland used to come all the way up from Southern Jersey – probably a two-hour ride – just to come to a meeting. He never missed them. He’d be there, then he’d have a two-hour ride home. His level of commitment was unbelievable; he would do anything that was asked of him. Good people like Roland are hard to find.” “Roland Bonner was a great asset to our industry,” comments Everett. “He was a thoughtful and reserved man, but he had strong opinions and convictions on many things, not just work-related. We spent many nights heading up the Garden State Parkway – racing
The Greater Tuckahoe Area Merchants Association has set up a Memorial Fund for Bonner’s family. Information on how to donate is available at tuckahoenj.com/memorial/donation.html. You may also send donations via mail to GTAMA, PO Box 656, Tuckahoe, NJ 08250-0656.
32 | New Jersey Automotive | September 2017