Walter Oscar Bonhotel Jr.'s Obituary
Walter Oscar Bonhotel Jr., 102, of Amherst, Ohio, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with his loving wife by his side on July 6, 2024. Walter was born on January 1, 1922, in Eagle Rock, Virginia. He attended Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Virginia, then moved to Lorain, Ohio, at the young age of 17 to work for the United States Steel Corporation (1941-1984) where he retired after 43 years.
Walter was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving on the 748th Railway Battalion as a Brakeman/Conductor (China-Burma-India) from 1943-1945. He received a Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and WWII Victory Ribbon during his years of service.
Walter was a family-oriented man with deep roots in the Eagle Rock and Roanoke, Virginia areas. He visited his hometown as often as he could and took summer vacations to the land he loved most spending time with relatives. Walter loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting in Eagle Rock with his sons, Walt and Bernie, son-in-law, Jim, brothers, relatives and friends every November during hunting season. Walter also enjoyed spending time in his garden, fishing, and attending Cleveland Indians’ games with his daughter, Bridget and son-in-law, Jim.
Walter was a loving husband to his wife, Marcella, married for 66 years (1958-2024) and father of three children. Marcella was dedicated to giving the best care to her husband as he ended life’s journey. Walter devoted his entire life to his family and was actively involved with his six grandchildren attending church and sports events throughout the years. Walter was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Amherst.
Survivors include his wife, Marcella Bonhotel (nee LaSalle); daughter and son-in-law, Bridget (nee Bonhotel) (Jim) Dill of Amherst; sons Walter (Shirley) Bonhotel III of Lorain and Bernie Bonhotel of Cleveland. He also leaves grandchildren, Amanda (Jimmy) Cantu, Heather Brotherton, Chase Bonhotel, Dakota Dill, Hannah Bonhotel, Noah Bonhotel. In addition, Walter leaves four great-grandchildren, Kaidyn Brotherton, Breckyn Brotherton, Aurora Smith and Andrew Smith. Walter also leaves many nieces, nephews, and friends residing in Virgina who he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Oscar and Fannie Bell (nee Love) Bonhotel Sr.; sisters, Lois Bonhotel, Virginia Webb (nee Bonhotel), Mildred (nee Bonhotel) and Walter Anderson; brothers, Albert (Horsey) and Delores (nee Mann) Bonhotel, Malcolm (Mink) and Janetta (nee Orange) Bonhotel.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Mass of Christian Burial for Walter will be Thursday, July 11th at 12:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst, Ohio. Father Timothy O’Connor, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery located at the corner of Pyle South Amherst and Middle Ridge Road, Amherst, Ohio 44001. Special thanks to Western Reserve Hospice administrators, nurses, spiritual advisors, and aides for their kindness and compassionate care. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dovinreberjones.com.
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