Obituary of Calvin A. Bonenberger Sr.

Calvin Bonenberger, Sr., 86, embarked on his final journey on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. As he left this world peacefully, we can imagine him joining the Great Campfire in the Sky, strumming his guitar and serenading the stars.

 

Born on June 12, 1938, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Calvin was the cherished son of Carl Bonenberger and Frieda Schmidt, who instilled in him the values of hard work and the importance of laughter. A proud graduate of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School’s class of 1956, he was known for his hearty chuckles and remarkable ability to transform ordinary moments into cherished memories.

 

After proudly serving in the Army, Calvin dedicated over 50 years to the fire service, serving the residents of Whitemarsh Township with unwavering courage, dedication and commitment.  He began his firefighting career with the Lincoln Fire Company before joining the Barren Hill Fire Company in Lafayette Hill, where he became a steadfast presence in the Whitemarsh Township Community.   Whether battling flames or mentoring young recruits, Calvin's commitment never wavered, and his legacy lives on through those he mentored, trained, and worked alongside.

 

Family was Calvin's greatest joy. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Kathryn, celebrating 67 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and the occasional eye roll at each other’s sarcastic jokes. Together, they created a family that thrived on joy, where Calvin was affectionately known as "PeePop." 

 

He delighted in entertaining his great-grandsons—his “Bacon Boys”—with impromptu sing-a-longs featuring whimsical songs and heartfelt advice. Calvin had a special bond with his granddaughters, whom he referred to as his "emissaries" and "fightin' girls." He was always just a phone call away, ready to help with home repairs, lend a sympathetic ear, or stand up to neighborhood bullies with his wise and (not always so) gentle spirit.

 

A true handyman, Calvin was eager to lend a helping hand. No piece of furniture was too wobbly for him to fix, often with a creative solution involving whatever materials he had on hand. His knack for storytelling and humor left everyone feeling at ease, and family gatherings were filled with laughter as he spun tales that brought joy to those around him. His love for music and camping united the family around campfires, where the flames danced as brightly as the stories shared.

 

Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Frieda; his nephews, Ralphie and Stephen; and his niece, Sandee. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn; his sister, Sandra; his brother, Michael; and his three children, Cathy Sue, Calvin Jr. (Terry), and Cheryl. Proudly, he was “PeePop” to seven grandchildren: Tara (Rob), Dana (Chris), Sara (Tom), John, Julie, Ben, and Emily, and the doting great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren: Caleb, Olivia, Ryan, Zachary, Carter, Cash, Asher, Zoe, and Lorelei.

 

Calvin’s legacy of love and laughter will resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit, infectious laughter, and ability to find joy in the little things will endure in our memories. Here’s to Calvin Bonenberger, Sr.—the man, the myth, the legend -a remarkable man whose life was marked by service, love, and good humor. May his memory be a blessing.

 

Join us as we honor Calvin’s life with a Crossed Ladders Ceremony on April 12, 2025, at 10 AM at Barren Hill Fire Company, located at 647 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.  This will be followed by a Celebration of Life. All are welcome to pay tribute to a life well-lived.

 

In honor of his commitment to serving others, the family kindly requests that donations be made to fire company’s “Reaching New Heights”, fund drive in his name. Calvin was instrumental in the fire community, leading the efforts to acquire Barren Hill's first ladder truck. To learn more about this amazing chapter in his life and to contribute in his honor, please visit the link below to learn more about his years of dedicated service:

 

https://gofund.me/cff3ab29 (https://gofund.me/cff3ab29)