Obituary of William Bonhoff

William E. Bonhoff Allegany, NY William E. Bonhoff of 2792 Five Mile Rd. died Sunday (January 22, 2012) at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft. Meyers, FL after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Born October 4, 1919 in Oil City, PA he was the son of Edwin L and Caroline Halter Bonhoff. On September 20, 1947 he married Doris Chapin who survives. Bill attended schools in the Pittsburgh, PA area and graduated from Sewickley High School in Sewickley, PA. He was an avid photographer during his school years. After high school he worked at the American Bridge Company in Ambridge, PA as a machine operator. He entered military service in October 1941 with basic training at Ft. Belvoir, VA for combat engineering training. After basic training he was transferred to the 38th Division, 113th Engineering Battalion stationed at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Eventually he was transferred and assigned to the 38th Division Headquarters Company Public Relations Office as Division Photographer. He served in the Pacific Theater in Hawaii, New Guinea, and Luzon in the Philippines. He saw much action as a combat and public relations photographer on Leyte, Bataan and Corregidor in the Philippines with many photos and news articles sent back to home town newspapers during WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his photo work, American Defense Medal. Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with three bronze stars and the WWII Victory Medal. He attained the rank of Sergeant with four years of service. Upon discharge from the service in 1946 he was employed in Olean by Clark Bros. (Dresser Clark) in the Photographic and Printing Department as a printing press operator. At the time of his retirement in 1983, he was Manager of the Photographic and Printing Department and Office Services after thirty seven years of service. For many years he traveled throughout the United States and Canada photographing Clark compressor installations for advertising use. Working with the late Gil Stinger, Bill and Gil produced the "Four Season" brochure in 1958, advertising Olean. From 1969 to 1985 he and his wife operated a print shop from their home, serving many churches in Western New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In more recent years he was active in woodworking and craft shows with his wife. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for several years. Bill was also a member of the Allegany Historical Society providing many photographs of the activities and also the village of Allegany for their historical records. He also did some writing and has had many articles published. Bill continued his photographic work in his retirement when he and his wife traveled throughout the United States and Canada. Bill was a charter member of the Allegany Baptist Church, having served as treasurer and trustee for nine years and published the church news letter for several years. For thirteen years he also printed the First Baptist Church newsletter. He was also an Associate member of McGregor Baptist Church in Ft. Myers, Florida where he volunteered part time in the kitchen. In March 2004 until April 2009 he created and produced the Mobile Manor Monthly Newsletter in the mobile home park where he and his wife resided in the winter. In addition, in recent years he continued his photographic talents by volunteering to work at ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) in North Ft. Myers, FL, providing publicity photos. Surviving besides his wife are a daughter Joanne Lamm of Mojave, CA; a son David R. (Linda) Bonhoff of Punta Gorda, FL; a daughter-in-law Julie Bonhoff of Ft. Myers, FL; six grandchildren Jeffrey Bonhoff, Faydra Hernandez, Eric Bonhoff, April Bonhoff, Lee (Trisia) Rutter and Scott Rutter, all from Florida; thirteen great grandchildren; a brother-in-law Paul (Arlene) Chapin of Allegany and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son James W. Bonhoff in May 2008; a brother Donn Bennett Bonhoff and a sister Marion Sheasley. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Visitation will continue at the Allegany Baptist Church on Saturday (January 28, 2012) from 10:00am until time of services at 11:00am. Rev. Frank Hayman, pastor, will officiate. Burial, with full military honors accorded by the ritual team of the Allegany American Legion, will be in Allegany Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Allegany Baptist Church, Allegany or to the Allegany Fire Department.