Obituary of Bonita M. Bongo

Bonita M. “Bonnie” Bongo, a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Dementia on November 11, 2025 at Harmony CareOne at Hanover in Whippany, NJ. She had shared 82 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born to the late Anne (Anthony) and Thomas Lardiere, Bonnie was one of two daughters, raised in Newark. During elementary school, her family relocated to West Orange where Bonnie and her family would stay until she graduated from high school in 1962. She went on to earn her BA in Health and Physical Education from Ithaca College in 1966. Her long career as a Physical Education Teacher began at Weequahic High School in Newark, and then West Orange Mountain High School. There Bonnie met her soulmate and best friend, a fellow teacher named Thomas Bongo, Jr. The happy couple was wed on August 17, 1968 and settled first into Parsippany until Tom was drafted into the US Air Force and the pair moved to Biloxi, MS. Ultimately, they found their forever home in Rockaway Township, NJ by 1971 where they would raise a beautiful daughter of their own.

Bonnie finished her teaching career in Jersey City Public Schools, retiring from PS #5 in 2005, before substitute teaching closer to home in Rockaway Township. She was also a dedicated member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the Morris County Retirees Education Association (MCREA), the College Club of Dover, the Red Hat Society, and St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in Mountain Lakes. She also served on the board for the White Meadow Lake Country Club and was an instrumental volunteer for many years with Camp White Meadow in the summers.

A lifelong learner, she loved to read anything she could get her hands on. Her love for reading began with the book, Little Women. She was also an incredibly talented knitter, creating beautiful blankets, sweaters, and more. Always active, she enjoyed nightly walks with her friends during the summer and loved playing tennis. A true social butterfly, she had a rare gift for connecting with people and truly never met a stranger.

When she became a grandmother, her love only grew deeper. She poured her heart into her grandsons, never missing a game, practice, or event — always there in the stands, cheering them on with pride and joy.

Her kindness, strength, and genuine spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. Her legacy will live on forever in the hearts of her beloved husband, Tom; her cherished daughter, Christine Calafati and her caring son-in-law, Robert Calafati; her treasured grandsons, JT and Alex Calafati; her loving sister, Ann Pasterchick and her husband Steve; her dear sister-in-law, Cathy Bongo; her kind nephew, Tom Girone and his wife Kris; and more extended family, friends, and students.

All are welcome to celebrate Bonnie and visit with the family on Friday, November 21^st from 3 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 22^nd at 10 am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Bonnie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. In addition to the unforgettable memories held by her family, we invite those who knew Bonnie to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. We believe her legacy is best honored through the stories and experiences of all who were fortunate enough to know her; let her light shine bright for eternity.