William J. Bonenfant Jr.

GARDINER – William J. Bonenfant Jr., 97, of Pray Street died peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, following a long illness.

William was born in Augusta on March 15, 1927, the son of the late William J. Sr. and Eva (Lambert) Bonenfant. He attended local schools and then served in the United States Army during World War II.

After returning home from the war, Bill worked several different jobs before going to work at Hudson Pulp and Paper, which later became Statler Tissue. He worked for the company for 36 years before retiring in 1989.

In his spare time, you could find Bill busy in his workshop creating beautiful leatherworks which he sold for years at local malls and craft fairs. A talented craftsman, he built the house he lived in during his entire adult life; along with many pieces of furniture that will be cherished and displayed as family heirlooms for generations. Bill also spent many hours building numerous wooden toys and games that he shared with many.

He was also an enthusiastic Cribbage player belonging to many senior groups both for games and socialization. If someone didn’t know how to play the game, he was always willing to lend his expertise.

William was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur and Clement Bonenfant, three sisters, Theresa Anderson, Muriel Gurney and Simone Lavallee.

He is survived by a daughter, Wanda and her husband Walter “Andy” Hendrickson of Farmingdale, two sons, William A. and his wife Beverly Bonenfant of Brunswick and Rick Bonenfant of South Carolina; a sister, Lorraine Allen of Farmingdale; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Beacon Hospice Care, VA Togus Primary Care Home Based Team, VA Togus Springs Hospice Unit and Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 31 at 12 p.m. at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, Blue Star Highway, in Augusta. Reception to follow at the Senator Inn, Augusta.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Staples Funeral Home website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com