originally posted on 9/30/2022 1:07:00 AM
Photo: Bonnnie Bonczyk Collection. View full-sized image.
Jerry Bonczyk, of Schaumburg,
Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2022, at age 87.
Jerry was the husband of 60 years of Bonnie L. Zimmermann, father of Jim
(Cathy) and Mark (Jenny) and grandfather of three.
Jerry retired from Sloan Valve
Company after 37 years as a tool and die maker. He enjoyed attending car shows
and had a beloved Lionel train collection.
Jerry traveled the world with Bonnie, the love of his life, to experience the
history of many amusement parks and attractions. Jerry and Bonnie were ACE
members for over 35 years, riding over 500 roller coasters worldwide, with
Jerry riding each one from the back seat at least once. Jerry was also a
long-time member of National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA), and
he helped Bonnie with the Heritage Fund and Auctions at the many events they
attended. In 2021 NAPHA presented Jerry and Bonnie with the inaugural Lifetime
Service Award named in their honor. In addition, Jerry was also a
member of the European Coaster Club (ECC) and Dark Attraction and Funhouse
Enthusiasts (DAFE).
In lieu of flowers, the family
asked that donations be made to NAPHA’s Heritage Fund, P.O. Box 871, Lombard, Illinois, 60148-0871
https://napha.org/Preservation/Heritage-Fund
or Cornerstone Faith Community Church, 118 First Street, Bloomingdale, Illinois, 60108
https://cornerstonefaith.church/give.
#ACENews