Paul E. Bonenfant

Paul E. Bonenfant, age 98, of Norwalk, Connecticut, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.  Born in Saint-Théodore d’Acton, Quebec, Canada on December 6, 1918, he was the son of the late Joseph and Exilina Desrosiers Bonenfant.  After emigrating with his family to the United States as a child during the Depression, the family lived briefly in Rhode Island before settling in Norwalk, CT where Paul lived for over 85 years.Paul was a member of the first graduating class at St. Joseph Parochial School.  He was a barber and owned his own shop in South Norwalk, CT before serving in the Army for four years during World War II.  Upon his return, he worked for many years at Yankee Metal Products and several years at MBI in Norwalk, CT until his retirement in 1984.   Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He was an avid New York Giants fan, enjoyed a good card game and bowled with his buddies each week until he was 95. He was also a member of the former French American Club.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Margaret Seles Bonenfant; two daughters Linda Bonenfant of New Canaan and Donna Bonenfant of Norwalk; sisters-in-law Theresa Bonenfant and Irene Breault; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.  He was pre-deceased by his parents, his sister, Lillian Demers, brothers Leandre and Felicien; nephews Robert and Raymond Bonenfant and niece, Marcia Breault Baren Bregge.The family wishes to thank the attentive staff at Elderhouse in Norwalk, Visiting Nurses of Fairfield County and his wonderful caregivers Marie Tomlin and Maka Chemiya who all assisted with Paul’s care over the last year. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 21st at 10 AM at St. Ladislaus Church, 25 Cliff Street, Norwalk.  Burial with full military honors will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.  Paul’s family will receive friends at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk on Monday, March 20th from 4-7pm.In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s name may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 85 So. Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06854, where Paul was a member for most of his life, St. Ladislaus Church or to Elderhouse, 7 Lewis Street, Norwalk, CT  06851 (www.elderhouse.org/).

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