16 May 2007: Alvin F. Bonawitz, Carlisle, passed away Monday, May 14, 2007 at home. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Catherine Mae Bonawitz, with whom he was happily married to for 62 years. Alvin was born in Millersburg, PA, in 1923 and enlisted in military service May 1943. He graduated from Single Engine Pilot School August, 1944 and served as gunnery pilot and instructor as a U.S. Fighter Pilot in the Pacific Theatre, and adjutant Rescue Boat Squadron on Okinawa. Released from active duty June 1947, he entered the 148th Fighter Squadron, PA Air National Guard in March 1954. He served in subsequent units ending as Aircraft Commander in the 193rd Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron, Middletown, PA. He retired as Colonel, PA Air National Guard in September 1972, with 28 years commissioned service. He was recalled to short-term active duty numerous times during national emergencies, such as Arab-Israeli War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Pueblo Incident, and Vietnam where the 193rd Squadron received a Presidential Unit citation with a "V" for Valor. Employed by AMP, Inc. in March 1954, he served in various capacities, including Plant Manager at Carlisle Pike Plant, and Divisional Manufacturing Manager in Harrisburg until his retirement in 1981. His Masonic affiliations include, Master Mason, Cumberland Star Lodge, #197, F&AM, Harrisburg Valley Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, National Sojourners #130, where he was twice Past President, and Hero's of '76 where he was twice Camp Commander. He is survived by sister Fern Smith of Millersburg; daughter Alice Fought and son Alvin F. Bonawitz, Jr., husband of Saundra, both of Carlisle; grandchildren Catherine M. Fought, Jason Bonawitz, husband of Christine, Wayne Fought, Rebecca Cobb, wife of Ervin Cobb III, all of Carlisle, and Alan Fought of Las Vegas, NV. He was also the proud great-grandfather to Isaac, Kelsey, Brandt, Tyler, and Chase, whom he loved dearly. Masonic service Monday, May 21, at The Masonic Temple, Carlisle. Burial Tuesday, May 22, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. [Harrisburg Patriot-News]
Family Members
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Charles Edwin Bonawitz
1880–1964
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Alice Martha Paul Bonawitz
1886–1937
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Catherine Mae Mataka Bonawitz
1918–2005
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Albert Miles Bonawitz
1906–1954
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Amy Margaret Bonawitz Goodling
1908–2006
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Orpha Pauline Bonawitz Snody
1909–1936
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Ida May Bonawitz Fulkroad
1911–1999
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Carl Frederick Bonawitz
1913–1989
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Warren Daniel Bonawitz
1917–1980
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Susan Lena Bonawitz Hoy
1918–1976
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Lester Lincoln Bonawitz
1919–1990
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Alice Martha Bonawitz
1920–1921
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Charles Edwin Bonawitz
1921–1994
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Fern E. Bonawitz Smith
1925–2018
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Harvey Wayne Bonawitz
1926–1986
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Kenneth George Bonawitz
1928–1956
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Alice B Bonawitz Fought
1945–2015
Flowers
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Records on Ancestry
Alvin Franklin Bonawitz Sr.
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Alvin Franklin Bonawitz Sr.
1930 United States Federal Census
Alvin Franklin Bonawitz Sr.
Pennsylvania, U.S., Marriages, 1852-1968
Alvin Franklin Bonawitz Sr.
1940 United States Federal Census
Alvin Franklin Bonawitz Sr.
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
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