Ralph E. Bongo, Sr., 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge.
Visiting will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, on Monday, May 6 from 4 to 7 p.m.
A funeral mass will be offered at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 28 Lakeside Avenue, Verona on Tuesday, May 7 at 10 a.m.
Born and raised in Newark, Mr. Bongo moved to Verona in 1956. He graduated from Barringer High School with the Class of 1951.
He worked for the United States Postal Service for 40 years, first as a sorter in Montclair and then as a window clerk in Verona.
Mr. Bongo enjoyed playing cards and board games and spending time with his family. He was also a parishioner at Our Lady of the Lake Church.
He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Lois (nee Lauer) Bongo and his parents, Edward and Mildred (nee Cocchia) Bongo.
Mr. Bongo is survived by his loving children, Karen Winters (Kenneth), Elaine McPhail (Andrew), Ralph E. Bongo, Jr. (Jeanne), Donna Sona (William) and Stephen Bongo (Nadia), his sister, Eleanor Silecchia, and many cherished grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to Verona Rescue Squad, 12 Church Street, Verona NJ 07044 would be appreciated.
Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.proutfuneralhome.com.
My deepest condolences to the Bongo family. I graduated high school with Donna, and knew her brother Ralph too. May your father rest in peace.