Obituary of Charles Nathan Bonham

Charles "Charlie" Nathan Bonham, age 89, of Bridgeton, died on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the South Jersey Healthcare Hospice inpatient center in Bridgeton. The youngest of five children born to C. Frank and Henrietta Bonham and the husband of the late Rose Miletta Bonham, he was born on January 1, 1923 inUpperDeerfieldTownship. He grew up in Greenwich where his parents owned, Bonham's Market on Main Street (late 1930's-1970's). He graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1941. He had been a Bridgeton resident most of his life. He entered the coast guard in 1943 and served on the USS Sussex as Seamen First Class during WWII until 1946. In 1950, he was appointed as a Cumberland County Court Officer. Then in 1954, he was appointed Under-Sheriff by the late Sheriff, William Riggins. In 1956, he was appointed as a probation officer. On October 1, 1978, he was appointed to Chief Probation Officer in Cumberland County until his retirement in 1991. He served Cumberland County for 38 years in total. He also held the title of Confidential Agent to Judge. After his retirement and for the past 23 years he pursued his passion of Harness Racing. He owned several racing horses. In his free time he was known to frequent the Golden Pigeon and Shiloh Market. He was a loyal follower of the Philadelphia Phillies. He loved the Bridgeton and Greenwich areas and the warmth and familiarity of family and friends. He was noted for his keen mind and sharp wit. He often recalled old times with clarity and loved to tell jokes. He was always young at heart. Bridgeton has lost a great friend. Survivors include; twin sons, Charles F. Bonham and his wife Maria of Chicago, IL and Lewis I. Bonham and his significant other, Geraldine Derbyshire of Egg Harbor Township; and two grandsons Charles N. Bonham and James F. Bonham both of Chicago, IL. In addition two his wife, he was predeceased by; two brothers, Lewis and Melvin; and two sisters, Henrietta and Edna. Funeral Services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway77, Upper Deerfield Township, on Saturday morning, July 21, 2012 at 11 AM. Interment will take place in Fernwood Memorial Park, Hopewell Township. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Friday evening, from 6 PM to 8 PM and on Saturday morning from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the services. Written condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.