Colonel Bonta (Ret'd)

Ret. Colonel Stanley G. Bonta, 81, of Florence passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood.

Stan had a distinguished career in the United States Army and proudly served his country in two tours of combat in Vietnam. Throughout his career, he earned numerous medals of valor including the Legion of Merit with one OLC, the Bronze Star Medal with three OLC, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Silver Star and numerous other awards and commendations.

He began his career as a graduate ROTC student from Eastern Kentucky University. Stan was also a graduate of the Naval War College and the Army War College. He commanded the 2/503rd in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, was the Commander, Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia and the Brigade Commander, Old Guard, 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard) Commander at Fort Myer, Virginia.

Following his distinguished military career, Stan worked for JTM Food Group, Harrison, Ohio for 15 years. He was instrumental in creating their Military Food Service Division which proudly serves our military troops today.

Stan was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of the Elvin E. Helms Masonic Lodge # 926, Petersburg and he was a 60 year member of the Mason Lodge.

Survivors include his sons, Steve (Bridget) Bonta of Carmel, IN, Scott (Kathryn) Bonta of Florence and Stan (Colleen) Bonta of Woodbridge, Virginia; sister, Frances Justice of Florence; nephew, Stan Justice of Union; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Visitation is Saturday, December 31, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home, Hebron. Interment, with full military honors, is Friday, June 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Attendees should gather at the Administration Building at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.