Obituary of Joseph Bonta

Joseph Bonta, a retired Engineer and 48 year resident of Burlington, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening, October 25, 2014. He was 84 years old. Joseph was born in Boston, the son of Sicilian immigrants, the late Carmelo and Rosaria Bonta. He was raised and educated in East Boston and Dorchester. He was inducted into the Air Force in 1950 for a 4 year tour of duty during the Korean War. He held the rank of Airman First Class. He was trained in radar systems and was assigned with the 708th AC & W Squadron. They manned the Indian Mountain Air Force Station which was part of the United States continental defense radar station constructed to provide the United States Air Force early warning of an attack by the Soviet Union. He was part of the squadron that spent a term of one year on top of Indian mountain in Northern Alaska in subzero temperatures for months at a time monitoring radar as America’s first line of defense. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After his military service he graduated with a Bachelor Degree from Northeastern University in electrical engineering. Joseph used his real life experience with radar systems along with his degree to have a successful career as an engineer at Sylvania for several years and Raytheon for 30 years. His career at Raytheon involved work on the Hawk and Patriot missile systems. He enjoyed the many challenges his career provided as well as many longtime friendships with his coworkers. Joseph led a full and active life with many interests and hobbies. He was an avid Photographer with nature and family pictures being his specialty. Joseph was a firm believer in daily exercise. He especially enjoyed weight lifting and developed and designed his own gym where he worked out daily until he was 80 years old. He treasured the times he spent with his family whether it was an outing with his grandchildren at Canobie Lake Park, a vacation on Cape Cod or a family cookout. He enjoyed saltwater fishing and working with his computer to keep up with his friends. He leaves a legacy of hard work and strong devotion to his family. Joseph was the beloved husband of 61 years of Marjorie (Valcourt) Bonta. He was the loving father of Valerie Bonta & her husband Gary Sardynski of Franklin, TN, Carl Bonta & his wife Trina Orne of Melrose, Karen Middleton & her husband Gary of Billerica and the late Adrienne Hart & her late husband Bernard Hart. He was the brother of Gerald Bonta of FL & Cape Cod and the late Salvatore Bonta. Joseph was the proud grandfather of Lauren & Jennifer Bonta and Sarah & Evan Middleton. Funeral Services were private. Memorials in Joe’s name may be made to People Helping People, PO Box 343, Burlington MA 01803. Arrangements under the direction of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.