WILMINGTON – M. Davis & Sons Inc. announced Monday that Vice President of Operations and former owner of the company John S. Bonk died suddenly Oct. 22 at age 67.
Bonk began his career at M. Davis & Sons in 1978 as a project engineer. He worked his way up to become a project manager, executive vice president and eventually president and partial owner of the company in 1998.
In 2016, Bonk started succession planning with the company and took on the role of vice president of operations, handing over the duties of president to John Gooden.
Bonk was the first non-family member to have a piece of ownership and worked tirelessly to help make the company a strong industry leader.
In a statement, current M. Davis CEO Peggy Del Fabbro said, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my friend and colleague John Bonk who had served as the company president and vice president of operations as well as a member of our board of directors. Under his leadership, M. Davis & Sons has grown to be one of the best industrial contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region.”
Calling Bonk “a pillar,” the company said it “will work hard to keep his legacy of integrity and service to others alive.”
Bonk built great relationships throughout his career in the construction industry partially through his deep involvement with Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, where he was a former chairman of the board. He was also a firm believer in Boy Scouts of America as well as supporting the dfrc, Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with DisAbilities.
Bonk was also committed to the Diocese of Wilmington and St. Elizabeth School, whether repairing a boiler or serving in a board capacity.
He is survived by his wife, Teesie Bonk, their three children and a granddaughter along with siblings and extended family.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, at St. Elizabeth’s R.C. Church, Cedar & Clayton Streets, Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 30. Burial will be at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to three organizations that were close to John’s heart: The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, P.O. Box 747, Middletown, DE 19709; Special Olympics Delaware, 619 South College Ave., Newark, DE 19716; and Elwyn Delaware, 321 East 11th St., Wilmington, DE 19081.
