Timothy S Bonk

After a spirited and courageous battle with cancer, Timothy Sean Bonk peacefully passed away on September 27, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Tim was born March 11, 1959, in St. Petersburg, Florida and raised in Schenectady, N.Y. as the fifth of eight children in a large and loving family. Tim is survived by his children Alexander, Samantha, Matthew and Adam; Kathryn Bonk, loving mother to their children; grandchildren Bella and Declan, his mother Noreen Bonk, his brother, Joseph (Danielle) Bonk, his sisters, Mary (Nicholas) Isaac, Amy Bonk-Chanin, Sally (Jerry) Sabatini, Becky (John) O’Malley and Nora (Mark) Sabatini. Tim is survived by many family members as well as his loving companion Candace Lobdell. He was predeceased by his father, Gary Bonk, and his sister Deborah Tate. Tim was a graduate of Mohonasen High School and SUNY Albany with a degree in History. Tim proudly served his country in the Air National Guard from 1989 – 2013, serving many years at Stratton 109th Air National Guard Wing as Commander of the Services Unit. During that time, he served one tour of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Southeast Asia (Bahrain). He also spent the latter part of his career working for the Division of Military and Naval Affairs where he managed FEMA operations and assisted with the planning and readiness of personnel for the Presidential Inauguration in 2008. Tim was acknowledged as a stellar performer in his capacity with the ability to lead people, make decisions and render quality results. He received numerous commendations and awards during his many years of service. He retired from the Air National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Tim began his career in Transportation and Facilities working for U-Haul in the 1980s. He remained working in this field over the years and was currently employed as Director of Facilities for the North Colonie Central School District. He will be remembered as a man with a strong work ethic and dedication to keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently. Tim will be most remembered for being a pillar of strength for so many, but especially for his children. They were his pride and joy. He was their guiding light and greatest supporter, attending their many sporting events both near and far, golfing and playing chess with them and helping them figure out how to achieve their personal goals. Whether he was catching up with them during Sunday breakfast at a local diner, “supervising” as they patched a tire, or offering advice about a potential new job, Tim’s love, encouragement and unwavering support will be his legacy to his children. As a father, son, brother or friend, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a man of action; it only took a phone call and Tim was there for you. He loved to work with his hands, was able to fix anything and always made you feel like there was nothing he would rather do than help out. Driven to always give his very best in all aspects of his life; Tim was tenacious, strong and direct, but also generous, caring and compassionate. Tim will always be remembered for his quick wit and infectious laugh. Family and friends are invited to attend the burial service with military honors at Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to share in a celebration of Tim’s life that will follow at Fish at 30 Lake, 30 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Timothy Bonk to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift.