Carl Bonilla

Mr. Bonilla was born in the village of Koloa on the island of Kauai, Hawaii on July 17, 1923. He served in the US Air Force and was stationed at Kirkland AFB in Albuquerque where he met his future wife, Connie Gonzales. They were married April 15, 1950, and after his discharge from the service, he made Albuquerque his home.

A skilled craftsman, he fully embraced his woodworking hobby after retirement, beginning with a cradle that he made for his first grandchild. He continued to make furniture and toys, many of which he donated to the Ronald McDonald House. He also made beautiful jewelry and rosaries.

He was an active volunteer in his community, participating in parent programs at his children’s elementary school and various activities at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, including the annual Fiesta.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Connie (2008), his grandson, Joshua Carl Bonilla (2012) and twin great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Naomi Holyfield (2010), step great grandson, Enrique (Ricky) McLemore (2023).

He is survived by his three children; Susan (Patrick) Pappenfus of Portland, Maine, Elizabeth Martinez of Rio Rancho, NM, and Carl E (Janice) Bonilla of Albuquerque, NM, five grandchildren; Brian (Pamela) Predika of Rio Rancho, NM, Michael (Donna) Predika of Albuquerque, NM, Cynthia Pappenfus of Portland, Maine, Hannah (David) Holyfield of Albuquerque, NM, and Matthew (Aimee) Bonilla of Albuquerque, NM, and nine great-grandchildren; Savannah Predika, Marissa Predika, Diego Mendoza, Noah Holyfield, Nathan Holyfield, Nicholas Holyfield, Nolan Holyfield, Natalie Predika and Leah Predika.

A special thank you to the staff at Beehive Homes – Volcano Cliffs for the great care they gave our father for the past 2 ½ years. To Neveah Hospice for the kind and compassionate care given to both our father and his family.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Rosary at 10:15 am and Mass at 11:00 am.  Burial follows with military honors at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

“He Serviced His Country, His Family and His Church. Now He Will Serve His Maker to the Best of His Ability.”