CLAFLIN — Robert Bonomo, 69, died April 27 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Born Sept. 15, 1942, in Albuquerque, N.M., he was the son of John and Margaret (Miller) Bonomo. Robert graduated from Lovingston High School in New Mexico and went on to study at Edwards University in Austin, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico. He then obtained his teaching certificate from San Diego State University and later attended Fort Hays State University to further his education. In December 1966 he married Billie Carpenter in Albuquerque, N.M. He retired in 1988 from the U.S. Navy as chief of electronics, giving 23 years of service for his country. He taught school for the Imperial Valley school system in California and later taught science at Great Bend High School. Robert had been a Barton County resident since 1998, coming from California. He enjoyed animals, woodworking, photography, amateur radio and electronics, and was an avid racing fan.
Mr. Bonomo was a member of the American Legion in Hoisington, lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Silver Cougar Club, Kansas Rifle Association and the Amateur Radio Association.
Survivors include his wife, Billie of the home in rural Claflin; one son, Michael Andrew Bonomo of New Mexico; one daughter, Angela Forney of California; one brother, Thomas Bonomo of Arizona; one sister, Anne Maiese of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul Bonomo.
Memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Pastor David Leroy officiating. There will be no public visitation as cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Barton Community College Foundation Memorial for Robert Bonomo, in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
415 N. Main; P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 2, 2012