Robert J. "Bob" Bonkoski

Robert J. “Bob” Bonkoski

The world lost the greatest man you’ll never know. In the early morning hours of February 15, 2025, Robert J. “Bob” Bonkoski lost his brave battle, surrounded by the presence and love of his family.

Bob was born on March 23, 1951 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Conshohocken, PA and spent his childhood riding bikes and playing basketball with his brothers and friends. He graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in 1969. He then pursued an undergraduate degree (‘73) and a MBA (‘75) becoming a proud graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, “We are…Penn State!”

It was during his time in college that he found an internship at Corning Glass Works, and also found the love of his life, Debbie and within years they married. Bob accepted a job with Roadway Express (which made his father very proud). His job started out in Hagerstown, MD, that took them to Fredericksburg, VA, and finally landed them in Akron, OH. Bob spent his career at Roadway Express as a Marketing Manager. A job that was challenging and demanding, but one he enjoyed.

It is here that Bob and Debbie started their family, loving and raising two daughters, Laurie Ann and Emily.

Bob was a kind, gentle, and quiet man who believed in doing the right thing even if it made it difficult for himself and giving people second chances. He had a wit and smile that could make the sad times lighter and the good times even better. Bob enjoyed a good jelly-filled doughnut, listening to his favorite band, CCR—Creedence Clearwater Revival, watching the Penn State football game every Saturday, and simple times making memories with his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Maximillian and Theresa Bonkoski, as well as younger brother, Richard “Dick” Bonkoski and cherished family pet, Bentley, who Bob could be seen walking him all over town.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” of 47 years of marriage. His legacy will live on with his two daughters, Laurie Ann (James) Wardle of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and Emily Bonkoski of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and granddaughters, Alexandria “Lexey” and Zoey Wardle. He is also survived by brothers William “Bill” Bonkoski of Delaware and Maximillian Bonkoski of Pennsylvania.

The family will receive friends and family on THURSDAY, February 20th from 5-7 PM at Billow FALLS Chapel, 1907 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. Service will be held at the same location on FRIDAY, February 21st at 11 AM. 

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Falls Chapel, 1907 23 Rd. St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 544223.