Joseph Edmund Bonin, age 81, of Harvest, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, at home, with his loving wife, Sherrie, by his side and providing his care.

Born in Staten Island, New York, on May 14, 1945, Joe was the son of the late Olga Margaretta Lichvar and Louis “John” Bonin, Sr.

Joe honorably served his country as a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. His dedication to his country continued stateside through service in both the U.S. Army Reserve and the Tennessee National Guard.

Outside of his military service, Joe enjoyed a life filled with adventure and simple pleasures. He took pride in caring for his yard, enjoyed tinkering in the garage, and was a passionate golfer who cherished time spent on the greens with his buddies. Together with his wife, Sherrie, he loved to travel and experience America, one road trip at a time, with music as a constant backdrop. Their travels ultimately took them to all 48 contiguous states as well as Hawaii, creating countless memories along the way.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Louis “John” and Olga Bonin, and his older siblings, Joan Baker and Louis J. Bonin.

He is survived by Sherrie, his beloved wife of 31 years. He is also survived by his former wife, Ann Ogle Bonin, with whom he raised their three children: Valerie (Paul) Fileger, Tammy (Keith) Brandon, and Lance (Juan Guerrero) Bonin.

Joe leaves behind a lasting legacy through his seven grandchildren: Lori (Paul) Butler, Chris (Chuck) Floyd, Monica (Jonathan) Sumners, Matthew Brandon, Alicia (Mason Garman) Storey, Sebastian Higuera, and Dalton Brandon; and great-grandchildren: Sarah Butler, Lily (Rey Ruiz) Butler, Cayla Floyd, Chloe (Stewart) Fronk, Calvin Floyd, Lawrence Guthrie, Cara Floyd, Vivian Garman, and Olivia Garman.

He is also survived by his three loving sisters: Jean Jankunis, Joyce Morgan, and Judy (Craig) Wood, along with extended family and friends who will remember him fondly.

To his family, Joe was much more than the places he traveled, the work he did, or the years he served his country. He was Dad, Popa Joe, husband, brother, and friend. His children will remember the everyday moments that made him their father: his love of music and dance, stargazing together from the bed of his old truck, days on the golf course, family trips, conversations, and laughter are now treasured memories.

Joe gave his family a lifetime of stories to tell and memories to carry forward. Though saying goodbye is difficult, his family is grateful for the 81 years of life he shared with them and for the many ways he helped shape the people they became. He was loved, and he will be deeply missed. His memory will travel with them wherever the road leads next.

At a later date, a funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Madison, Alabama. Berryhill Funeral Home & Crematory in Huntsville, Alabama, is honored to serve the family of Joseph E. Bonin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Joe’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a veteran-serving organization of the donor’s choice.