Tribute & Message From The Family
Robert R. Bonn, 68, of Kenosha, WI, formerly of Rockland, MA passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 26, 2020 at Freodtert South Pleasant Prairie.
Bob was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 22, 1952 and was the son of Irene (Conrad) Bonn and the late Roy Bonn. He was married to the love of his life, Michele (Yung) Bonn in 1974. In addition to his wife Michele and mother Irene he is survived by his sons Ryan (Christine) Bonn and Steven (Meaghan) Bonn; grandchildren Alec and Bradyn, brother Gary (Mary Catherine) Bonn and sister Karen Bonn (Michael Lotti), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Robert was a proud graduate of Rockland High School ('70), and pursued a stellar athletic career at the University of Connecticut ('74). He obtained his Masters Degree from Springfield College ('75) and a Ph.D. in sport psychology and sociology from Boston University ('83). He began his teaching career at Westwood High School (MA) and was the head coach of the boys' basketball team. He went on to coach at the collegiate level at Western New Mexico University, Framingham State College and Pacific University, where he was head men's basketball coach, athletics director and chair of the department of physical education. In 1992 Bob became the athletic director and department chair for exercise and sport science at Carthage College, Kenosha, WI, until he retired in 2018.
Under Bob's leadership Carthage College raised 117 banners signifying a conference championship or top-eight national finish, and added nine NCAA sports (five for women). In addition, Bob spearheaded more than$50 million in facility renovations and built a $3 million endowment.
In 2019 Robert was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) and was admitted to the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame. In 2005 Bob was inducted into the Rockland High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2007 was honored as the Division III West Region Athletic Director of the Year by GeneralSports TURF systems.
Bob's greatest joy was spending time with family and golfing as much as his schedule would allow. His contributions to his family and the greater community will be sorely missed.
Condolence & Memory Journal
So sorry to hear. I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Bonn early on in his coaching career at Westwood, MA. He was a great guy, and tremendous coach! Always upbeat and teaching life lessons. I caught up with him later in life and was happy to hear about his career and all his great accomplishments. Most importantly, he was a "good man" and role model to many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time of loss. Rest in peace Coach.
Posted by
Dave Rice - Medway, MA January 07, 2021
To Mrs Bonn, Gary, and Karen,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bobby was always great to the entire McKenna family and I have great memories of my time in "the Bonn's backyard".
May God bless and take care.
- Mike McKenna
Posted by
Michael McKenna - Dedham, MA - Family Friend July 30, 2020
My deepest condolences to my beloved friend Michele on the loss of her great husband. Condolences to his sons as well. Dr Bonn was a phenomenal asset to the Carthage Community. He will be missed. Love you Michele!
Posted by
Ginna McKnight - Evans, GA - Family Friend July 04, 2020
Dear Karen and Bonn Family ~ I am so very sorry to learn of your brother's sudden passing. His legacy lives on and cannot be diminished. May God's peace comfort you all as you grieve and as you celebrate your brother's life.
Posted by
Grace Urbaitis Trinkl - Charleston, SC - Classmate July 02, 2020
There are no words for such an unimaginable loss. You are in my thoughts, prayers and heart. Of course I have not been with Robert during his adult life, however I have followed him and his accomplishments through his mother (Irene). What a career he has retired from! I am so sorry to hear of your loss and my thoughts of many are with you. Marjorie Davis (aunt), Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Canada
Posted by
Marjorie Davis - DartmouthNS - Family July 02, 2020
So sorry for your loss, Irene. Robert s career and life are a tribute to great parents, family and community.
.
Posted by
Jane Bowles - Rockland, MA - Friend July 02, 2020
Bob was a terrific gentleman, teammate and representative of Rockland. He was a role model for the rest of us. My deepest sympathies.
Butch Connor, Wheaton, Illinois
Posted by
Butch Connor - Wheaton, IL - friend July 02, 2020
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Bob was a wonderful person who will be fondly remembered by so many. I am so sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by
Maureen (Ellis) Schnider - Rockland, MA - Friend July 02, 2020
Irene, Karen, Gary and family. So very sorry to hear of Bobby's sudden passing. Hugs and prayers to all of you including his wife and sons and grandchildren. God Bless
Posted by
Joanne Duffy-Haggerty - Pembroke, MA - Friend July 01, 2020
Bobby was a good friend of mine in junior and senior high school years. He was as wholesome, good-natured, and talented as they come. I haven't seen Bobby in fifty years, but his accomplishments with both family and community are inspirational. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Bonn family.
Posted by
Michael Minasian - Big Sur, CA - Friend July 01, 2020
