Gloria J. Bonk

Gloria Jean Bonk, 82, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday August 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Plymouth, Pa on June 11, 1944, to the late Joseph and Sophie Zlotek Wolfe, Gloria lived a life centered on her faith, her family, and making memories with the people she loved. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1962 and was a member of the National Honor Society. Gloria began employment with the former First Eastern Bank, Nanticoke and had a lengthy career with the Social Security Administration. She worked in the Wilkes-Barre office for 26 years until her retirement. Gloria was a devout catholic with deep faith. She was a member of St. Mary’s Nativity Church, Plymouth, and later St. Faustina Kowalska Parish.

Gloria and her beloved husband, John Bonk, were married on May 1 st , 1965 and shared a life of travel and adventure throughout their marriage, beginning with their honeymoon in Cape Cod. Over their 61-year marriage, they traveled all over the United States, Over the years, some destinations became cherished traditions. They traveled to Las Vegas more than 60 times and spent summer vacations in Chincoteague, Virginia, for more than 40 years. In Chincoteague, Gloria was often happiest sitting in her beach chair right in the surf, letting the water wash around her while enjoying the beach and having her family nearby. Fishing was another great love that Gloria and John shared. They enjoyed fishing at Lake Oneida and spent many winter days ice fishing together throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

Gloria especially treasured the adventures and travel she shared with her daughter and grandchildren. She also loved to take them to amusement parks. When her grandson Nicholas was young, she took him to Knoebels multiple times through the summer, including one unforgettable summer when they went 17 times. Sometimes she joined him on a ride; other times, she was perfectly content sitting on a bench with a bag of fresh-roasted peanuts or a double scoop of her favorite ice cream, simply watching him have fun.

Roller coasters were not exactly Gloria’s favorite pastime, but she occasionally and reluctantly climbed aboard to share the experience with her family. A treasured photograph from the Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster captured a priceless expression on her face, forever preserving both her feelings about the ride and just how far she was willing to go to make a memory with the people she loved.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Sophie Zlotek Wolfe.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Bonk; her daughter Michele Bonk; her grandson, Nicholas Bonk and his wife Amanda; grandson Michael Bonk; her sister, Patricia Geyer and her husband Barry; her brother-in-law Edward Bonk and his wife Joan; her nephews Mark and Tommy Geyer and Derek and Eddie Bonk.

Gloria leaves behind a lifetime of memories: summers in Chincoteague, frozen lakes and fishing lines, countless trips and adventures, days at Knoebels, laughter over ice cream, and so many ordinary moments made special simply because they were spent together. Her family will remember her love, her faith, and the joy she found in sharing life with those closest to her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who provided Gloria with compassionate and exceptional care throughout the last several months of her life. Their kindness, patience, and dedication made it possible for Gloria to remain in the home she loved and to pass peacefully there, surrounded by those who loved her. Her family will always be deeply grateful for the comfort and dignity they provided.

Though Gloria will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing that she has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior. The love, laughter, traditions, and memories she leaves behind will remain with them always.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at noon at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, 520 S. Hanover Street, Nanticoke.

Interment with Rite of Committal will be in St. Mary’s Nativity Cemetery, Plymouth Township.

Friends may call for viewing and visitation Tuesday from 11 a.m. until noon in the Marian Chapel of the church.