Today my walk was dedicated in honor of:
WWII Army Veteran CPL Jack Josheph Bonturi, Age 99 of Crossville, TN.
Died Mar. 9, 2020
Served during WWII in the Army Air Corps
served from Dec. 15, 1942 to Feb. 19, 1946
He served as an airplane mechanic instructor.
A native of New York City, he moved to Columbia, SC in 1949 where he continued to live for the following 70 years. He met his wife, Lily in the old Columbia Hospital when he was a patient and where she was a nurse. The were married six weeks later. He worked in his own screen processing company, Central Advertising , until he retired in 1982. After retirement, he began working at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens as a volunteer and continued for the following 35 years. He always felt that the keeps of the zoo were an extended family to him.
He was presented with the President’s call to service award for his dedication and service to the zoo in addition to an award from Satch Krantz, Riverbanks former curator, for his 35 years of volunter service.
He moved in the fall of 2019 to Crossville, TN to live with his daughter. He was known best for his quick wit and sense of humor.
Surviving him are his three children, Bonnie, Jack, and Patti
We had a great 10.35 mile walk this morning. We got to walk out in the country and watch the sunrise. It was beautiful. We then walked down town to the War Memorial and we read the 81 names of all the WWII soldiers who were KIA from Cumberland County during World War II. We then walked to Miller Bypass and headed back home. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had 152 honks. It was amazing. Thank You.
WWII Army Veteran CPL Jack Josheph Bonturi will not be forgotten !
NOTE: I want to thank The Donut Cafe for flying our beautiful colors !
Thank you for honoring my Papa and for all you do to keep our American heros remembered. One day shortly before my dad died we noticed he seemed terribly distressed. When we asked him what was wrong he held out the calendar he was looking at and showed us that there was no notation of Veterans day. He said that people were already beginning to forget about those who served to keep this country free. Mike and I spent that morning going around town looking for a calendar that remembered and noted Veterans day. He would be so honored to be a small part of the great service you do to honor Veterans. Thank you again.