Nicholas DeBonis

Nicholas DeBonis, of Havre de Grace, died on December 31, 2008. He was 83.
He was born in Glamorgan, Virginia, to the late James E. and Pearl Hash DeBonis.
He was the devoted husband of Grace B. DeBonis (nee Batten) for 58 years. He was the loving father of Rodney L. and Cindi C. DeBonis of Havre de Grace, and Sharon D. and Michael J. Hodges, of Aberdeen. He was the adored grandfather of Amy N. Hodges of Baltimore, MD, Justin and Jenn Hodges of Rising Sun, MD, and Kortney, Michael, and Carson DeBonis of Havre de Grace, MD. He was predeceased by his siblings, Carrie Gentry, Harold DeBonis, Rosa Mae Johnson, Eliza Lee Johnson, and Walter DeBonis.
Mr. DeBonis came to Havre de Grace at the age of 14 in 1939 where he lived on Earlton road until his death. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the Office of Strategic Service (O.S.S.). He owned and operated DeBonis Sheet Metal and Contracting, King of the Road Trailer Sales, One of the first indoor Recreational Vehicle Showrooms in the United states, N.R.D. Foods Inc., and Bonanza Family Restaurants. His contracting Business built numerous houses and commercial buildings throughout Harford and Cecil Counties as well as supplied hundreds of homes with their first central air conditioners from the 1950's thru the 1980's. Mr. DeBonis held extensive service and building contracts with The Aberdeen Proving Ground and Perry Point VAMC. His HVAC expertise and knowledge was used by the DuPont's of Delaware in the restoration of several of they're Colonial Mansions. His R.V. Dealership was located on U.S. Rte. 40 just west of Havre De Grace and sold thousands Recreational Vehicles all over the country. He enjoyed traveling, covering the United States, Mexico and Canada in both his RV and his airplanes. His love for flying planes started in 1947 and he logged thousands of hours during his life as a private pilot in numerous planes that he owed. He logged time in single and twin engine aircraft as well as The Good Year Blimp. Mr. DeBonis enjoyed music and dancing. He was a past member of the Havre de Grace Elks Lodge, the Havre de Grace Lion's Club, and a current member of the American Legion Post 47. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, Florida.
A viewing was held on Sunday, January 4, from 2-6 PM at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 South Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. Funeral Services were held on Monday, January 5, 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Pastor Ron Smith and Father Jay McKee officiated. Interment was held at Bel Air Memorial Gardens. Rodney DeBonis, Michael DeBonis, Ralph DeBonis, Michael Hodges, Justin Hodges, and Stanley Wilson, III, will serve as pallbearers. Contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association Research Foundation, 1660 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.