General Store Leetonia

Shaut and Co. Limited

This is a picture of the general store in Leetonia at the turn of the century.  This could be today in Leetonia with snow freshly on the trees. This is where everyone in Leetonia got paid, and bought their goods for the week. I think it was pretty much and even trade with not much left over as the town was a company town and so was the store. People worked to make a bare existence living. They worked long, dangerous jobs in the Tannery, saw mill and in the woods lumbering.

The Tannery and Saw Mill are gone along with the rail road that carried the goods out to the world. The lumberman still log these woods and it is a dangerous job in which lives are lost every year. Other than the loggers no one is making a living in Leetonia anymore. Instead the woods are filled with snowmobilers in the winter, hunting, fishing, and recreational camp users in the summer.  When I am in Leetonia, I love to listen and sometimes I think I hear the sound of the railroad, smell the tannery and hear the stories being told by the old timers sitting on the store porch.  Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Let the snow begin!

Leetonia Road today

Although winter does not officially begin until December 21st, snow has fallen in Tioga Forest and has decorated the forest with a nice white gown. It is interesting how every year the first significant snow fall is always so pretty. By the end of February, the comments about snow will turn to dismay as people will start being tired of the white somewhat colorless winter and start wishing for the end of the winter white. Last year we seemed to skip winter and not much snowmobiling or other winter sports were possible. This could be why last night I saw a snowmobile running across Ridge Rd on the tiny 2 to 3 inches of snow we have gotten. One good bit of news for those of you who like to visit Leetonia in a car, the township is plowing the road from Parker Hollow to just past the Pioneer Camp. For some reason they decided to turn around at Melvin's driveway and not do the last 300 yds to Painter Leetonia Rd. They are doing this because of someone living full time across from Mick's old place. This is good news for me as it means I can get up and do some skiing or hiking this winter. 

This coming week has promised to start giving us some of the cold temperatures we usually get earlier. By the middle of the week we will see single digits. So if you go out dress warm.

I never like leaving my home in the woods even though I live a short distance away my city home lacks the quiet and solitude of the woods. This time as I was leaving I noticed a UPS sticker on my old UPS collection box I built at Parker Hollow. UPS will not deliver back in the woods. At first I thought someone used my old address and I might find frozen fruit. But when I looked inside it was a flat envelope addressed to 5990 Leetonia Rd., This is a camp as you head South on Leetonia Rd is right before you get to the pipeline on the left. I am not sure who owns this camp, but no one is there right now. If you know tell them their envelope is in the big green box at Parker Hollow. Mountain girl, Paula, back to work and missing Leetonia.

1900 Bridge rail lives on?

Bradley Wales Railing

Bradley Wales railing

postcard 1930 to 1945

Leetonia Bridge late 1800's to early 1900's

John Schilken emailed me these pictures.The first two he took up at Bradley Wales on West Rim. You can see a rail that suspiciously looks like the rail on this old Leetonia Bridge. The last picture was taken off of a glass negatives, which were only around from 1880 to the 1920's. The bridge seems much longer than it does today unless since it is so narrow is an illusion. You will have to click on picture and make it large to see the metal rail clearly. Also notice the points of the rail in original were not bend over as they are above. This is looking into town from the South point first bridge. Leetonia hotel is on the left and Zimmerman's camp is on the right.After first posting this I found a color postcard with the railing on it by 1930.

Mrs. Lee?

This picture of a woman with a bicycle was also part of the group of pictures and based on looking up clothes style and the popularity of riding bikes for woman it looks like 1900. John thinks this has to be Mrs. Lee cause the poor workers in the mill would not have been able to afford such a luxury as a bicycle or nice clothes.

If any of you know if the rail from this 1900 bridge was used at Bradley Wales let me know. I will post some of the other pictures from glass negatives later. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Firetowers

As a kid I remember walking up to Lee Firetower and climbing up to see the ranger. The tower swayed back and forth in the wind and it was an unsettling experience and at the same time exhilarating to see the entire forest. Some time in the late 80's the firetower was taken down. Satellites replaced the eyes of the ranger and something was lost. I wished that I could have re-erected it on the top of my hill a bit lower view for it but it would have been wonderful. I have even looked at other firetowers for sale, but the cost of moving and re-erecting them is out of my budget. I would imagine keeping people from climbing it and the insurance, and maintenance would also be costly. Of course in my child mind none of that mattered...just seeing it again would be great. A friend who writes another blog reminded me of the Lee Firetower with her recent post about the Cherry Springs Tower, which is still there. Here is a link to her blog. The firetower originally costs only $621 dollars to erect. Now even for an old one it would be in the 10's of thousands. A salute to the Lee Firetower. Mountain girl, Paula, Logging out.

June a month of Festivals

Mountain Laurel getting ready to bloom. 

Orange Salamander crossing road.

So June is the month for festivals; the Rattlesnake festival this coming weekend and the Mountain Laurel festival the weekend of the 25th. I took a 2 mile walk today up the mountain to the pipeline and noticed the Mountain Laurel will be opening soon and should be in full bloom for the festival. The temperature took a bit of a dive from the 80's to the 50's making the walk up hill a lot more enjoyable.

During the hike, the dogs and I saw one of the colorful, orange salamander's crossing the road. I saw several deer with fawns over the last couple days and turkey now that the hunting is done all the animals seem to know and show up a bit more.

I spent a few days at camp cutting willows down in the creek, which seem to grow as fast as I cut them. I also got to replace my water heater. A job thanks to its location in the basement which is made harder by the fact that I had to maneuver a 148 lb heater through a closet and down a trap door. The new ones have a plastic control valve that you have to make sure not to bang against anything or you will have a broken water heater. When it was all said and done I decided someone else will lift then next one down the hole in 10 to 14 years, cause if I try this in my 70's the water heater will probably be my headstone. 

Even with all the work, I dreaded coming back to Wellsboro tonight and returning to work tomorrow. The woods always calls my name. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Leetonia a time of detours

My truck after the detour

Sign coming into Leetonia from the South

If you want to cross the bridge in Leetonia you are out of luck for at least a month. They are resurfacing it. This is the bridge right after the Tannery coming into town from the South. The detour is Francis Leetonia up to Cushman and back down. I went this way and it is a muddy mess right now. In several spots it would be hard going in a car. Not only road closed in Leetonia, but up towards Painter Leetonia where is crosses to connect with Thompson Hollow. That bridge has been totally pulled out, which usually means 2-3 months of work.

With my luck I managed to hit both spots in one day. I was hauling hikers up from Rattlesnake Rock to the beginning of the West Rim Trail on the other side of Colton point. The detour for that one goes down a logging road that connects to Mill Road another mud filled experience. So for all you campers out there be ready for some extra fun driving through the woods.

I spent the weekend at my place doing some spring maintenance and enjoying the quiet only found in the woods. Lee and I have been doing the Mid-State Trail and did an amazing hike full of waterfalls near Stony Fork Creek.  you can check out the Youtube video at that link. We have done a total of 65 miles of the Mid-State Trail which runs 325 miles from NY to Maryland right through the heart of our area. We plan to chip away at the entire trail.

The Turkey hunters were everywhere Saturday as it was opening day. I am thinking they had a rough time of it because the gobblers where more active a month ago with all the warm weather we had. I saw a big gobbler coming off the Mid-State Trail on Tannery Rd at around 5PM. They can tell time real well. Sorry I haven't posted more often. Seems like I am on the run, I will try to pick things up a bit for you all. I have my place rented out much of the summer on AirBnb if any of you want to stay at the mountain girl's place you can rent it at the link. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

A Walk in Our Woods

The start of Misner Trail

Misner Trail

Climbing up to Cushman from Francis Leetonia Rd.

Cushman View or should I say no view

Corner of Leetonia Rd and Wilson Point

Lee and I were up in Leetonia again this weekend as the weather has stayed mild. It was between 34-36 degrees on our Misner Trail, Francais/Leetonia Rd, Cushman, Leetonia road loop about 9 miles. The only surprise on the trail was the top of Misner trail is covered in cut trees as they are logging up there. That made for a difficult last 200 yards of climbing over, under and around the trees. We saw several deer tracks and heard a dog barking. Now I know some of you are saying that was probably a coyote. But unless a coyote has developed a very low bark like a shepherd size dog, I am pretty sure it was a dog. The way the mountains echo it was difficult to figure out where it was coming from but we heard loggers as well so thinking it might have been one of their dogs. The last half mile of the top of the mountain was very foggy. I don't think we could see more than a couple hundred feet at times and about 3 degrees colder than the bottom. The footwork on the road was a bit tricker than I planned for a took a knee slide at one point. That will teach me to remember my ice cleats...guess being in town has already made me forget the basics of winter in Leetonia. The roads weren't bad for cars if you go slow no chains are needed today. We said, hi, to Mick as we passed his spot overlooking Cushman although you couldn't see a thing today with all the fog. The sign for Cushman View was missing last year and now the post resides over the hill. By the time we made it to the Corner of Leetonia Rd. and Wilson point Rd. we were glad the rest was downhill. It was nice medium jacket weather hiking as long as you were moving it was comfortable. All in all we covered 9 miles in about 4 hours which included lunch and a few breaks as we made it up about 900 ft of elevation climb. We have been glad the weather has stayed mild and hope to squeeze a few more trips up before the roads close. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Hike to Sand Run Falls

Top of Sand Run Falls

Rope down to Falls

Sand Run Falls

You know the old saying, "You don't know what you've got til it is gone," is so true. Now that I can't just walk out the door of the cabin and go for a hike. I have to drive to get back into the woods. Drove down to just outside of Arnot and walked down to Sand Falls. It is a very beautiful falls and pretty easy to get to. It is on the Mid State trail and I am sure quite a treat for any hikes doing the complete trail. I walked on a bit of a short cut to falls which was about a 1.5 to get to falls all downhill at a fairly gradual pace until you get to the falls. At that point there is a rope to help slow your descent down to the falls and help you climb back up the about 25 foot drop. It was just under freezing today and a very light snow, but quite warm for this time of year. I enjoyed my visit with nature and will be going up to camp tomorrow to check on things and who knows do another little walk up the mountain. My job change that doesn't require the kind of physical labor I was doing before I moved to town has put a few extra pounds on the mountain girl so time to walk them off and what better place than in the mountains and woods I love. Mountain girl, logging out.

Lost and Found

Walking the other day and found this on our property. If you lost it and would like it back contact me. It still works fine. I am thinking someone lost it over deer season. Mountain Girl, Paula logging out.

Twas the day before Christmas

Twas the day before Christmas as we walked to Leetonia and something just wasn't quite right. Not a flake to be found or ice on the ground just the sound of the creek to be heard. Now this is not common, but not so unheard to see not a soul just a bird. And as we shed our coats as we walked through along we wondered if Santa would know. Don't look for the snow or the ice here below cause we're skipping winter this year. The animals all said they didn't mind it at all and thought it was the best gift they've been given.  Easy walking and eating through the woods for the critters would be like a treat or treat for Christmas this year.


It was in the 60's as Lee and I walked from our house to Leetonia and back. Enjoy the pictures of your favorite place in the middle of the big woods. You may have to click on the pictures to see the entire picture. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Chimney Rock View of the World

Hunter(my nephew) pretending to fall.

Chimney rock is known only to the few who have dared climb the mountain to stand on it. As you are driving south on 414 just about 1/3 of a mile before you get to the Cedar Run Creek bridge if you look carefully on the side of the mountain you will see a outcropping of rock shaped like a chimney. It is easier to see when the leaves have fallen. The climb is treacherous, steep slope of loose rocks varying from about a 30 degree slope to close to a 60 degree slope. It can take a good hour to get to the top unless you are in excellent shape.  It is sort of a blind climb as you can not really see the rock as you are climbing. I like having a rope not so much for the way up, but for the way down to keep from going too fast down. The pictures were taken a few years back when my nephew was a bit younger than now. Also as you can see it keeps brave children from causing their aunt to be a bit nervous when they are close to the edge. Don't climb when wet or icy or you may not come back in one piece...although I know a person who if they read this know who they are that climbed in multiple times on New Years Eve. I would say don't ever do that. Climb on a cooler day as it will take all of your strength and the heat will add to the difficulty.

Once you get to the top the world is yours. You feel like you are flying over Pine Creek. You can see Cedar Run below you and if you are brave enough to be at the edge there isn't anything that matches the quiet breeze and view. I often felt like an eagle soaring so much that you think you could step off and fly with them. But don't do that either unless you suddenly sprout wings you will only have a few seconds to enjoy the view. I am feeling it is time for another trip up there soon when the weather cools and I have a good supply of water for the climb. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Hunter and his sister Abbey point to Chimney Rock

Top of Chimney Rock...Hunter

Wet 4th of July

Pine Creek from Cedar Run Creek Bridge

Water rushing down small stream on Leetonia Rd.

To see video you will have to go direct to blog and not read from email. Here are the results of a lot of rain coming quickly down this morning on soaked ground. Pine Creek made it up to 5.5 feet at around noon. The Stoners on Pine Creek reported to me they just saw someone floating by yelling holding on to a kayak. Another person in a kayak was following telling them to just let the kayak go. My experience with Pine creek is that anything above 4 foot is for expert paddlers, 3-4 foot is for a good paddler and below 3 anyone can give it a try.  Below 2' best not go far with a boat a tube is really about all that will float that low. Above 6 foot is for fools as usually large trees are floating down with you and dodging debris can be more than a challenge. My rule is if it is chocolate colored...I stay out. It is dropping fast and by tomorrow should be safe again for most causal boaters and swimmers. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Mange Bear in Leetonia

Bear with Mange looking in the Tannery window

John from the Tannery sent me his Mangey Bear picture. As you can see the poor thing looks more like an alien species than a bear. He took this picture when the bear was looking in the kitchen window hoping they would share some of that good smelling bacon. Bears like this if not treated will die when the cold weather comes. If you see one contact the Fish and Game Warden and see if they will trap and treat it. Since mange is very contagious to other bears(it is spread by a small mite that burrows into the hair foliace) controlling this on the bears helps other bears as well. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

4th of July in Leetonia

Ferns on Leetonia Rd

Lee Mowing near Township mower

Ruins officially becomes the Tannery

There are a lot of people up to their camps this weekend. It is a big weekend for picnics and outdoor fun. Mother Nature cooperated on the 3rd, but the fourth looks like a chance of rain again. The rain has been so consistent that it has been hard to keep up with the mowing. It seems the sunny days are only for mowing the grass that has burst up from all the rain then it is back to rain. The township parked their mower in our yard for over the weekend as they too have been working on brush chopping the sides of the road. Next week they are closing Leetonia road going South of Leetonia for a couple days to repair a couple of culvert pipes under the road between Leetonia and Fahneystock.  The forest is so green in comparison to winter time it almost feels closed in this year...like living in a cave of green.

The old Ruins Camp is officially changed names to "The Tannery". They posted a very nice sign in front showing the old tannery. So from now on I will only refer to it as the Tannery. According to John at the Tannery, Snagglenose is still around and so is a smaller bear who is very much covered in mange. John thinks it is a second year cub. It made a disturbing look into his kitchen window while they were cooking bacon. The poor thing's entire face and ears were bald and most of its chest. Mange is very spreadable to other bears and the State tries to catch the ones with Mange and treat them or put them under if they have lost more than 50% of their hair. Mange is a cruel death when winter comes as the bears can not stay warm and will end up dying. Here is link to page with Mange bear's picture. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Lumber Museum Grand Reopening

5660 US Route 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948
(814) 435-2652 (phone)

Looking for something free and fun. 

The Grand reopening of the visitor Center will be held on Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.
Public is invited to Attend. Some of Leetonia's history is there.

Spring has sprung in Leetonia as well. The leaves are coming out after fighting a little frost on Wednesday night. Mountain girls have been cleaning up and sorting through a lot of stuff. We are selling our Fleetwood Southwind 35' Motorhome we got just last year as my job changed so I don't have summer's off. Follow the link if you are interested. I hate to sell it after I worked so much on it last year, but don't want it sitting doing nothing. 
A lot of turkey hunters have been out trying there luck with Spring Gobbler, but I think the turkeys might be confused as to whether it is Spring, Winter or Summer depending on which day. We have had temperatures from 28 this Wednesday to 85. Oh, the joy of whiplash weather. So come prepared with layers, you never know what will happen. Mountain girl, Paula logging out.

Mud, potholes, water and beauty

Water Fall along Leetonia Rd.

Rock Slide 414 near Cedar Run Creek Bridge

I traveled up from Cedar Run tonight in 2-wheel drive. If you have a car you love and would be upset if it hit a pothole or got muddy don't come up yet. Otherwise it is quite drive able. This time of year you have to watch out for rocks falling as the weather warms and the rain comes down. The second picture shows them clearing the road near the Cedar Run Creek Bridge on 414. I had to wait a bit before I could get by. The rocks as large as the ones they are moving could kill more than your car. The smaller rocks are sharp and play whack a mole on your tires.

The combination of the rain and snow melt has popped Pine Creek up over 6 foot a few times and it is still running high for the skilled boat person this is the time they love. I myself like it from 2-4 feet 6 sort of scares me. The sound of the creeks rushing and the beautiful falls this time a year makes the drive up the back roads worth the torture to your vehicle. This weekend I am opening up one of the camps and praying that the well will start as our ground frost is still pretty deep. Next weekend is the opening to trout season so many a Leetonia Fisherman will be stalking the streams. The weather is supposed to be in the 60's over the weekend and I am loving that. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Road Conditions for the weekend

Just an update on Leetonia Rd. coming up from Cedar Run. The road is 75% melted. The stretches that are ice run 1/4 to 1/2 mile long. The two sections of narrow road right before Leetonia is one of those. I came up without chains as it was raining and warm. I traveled slow in four-wheel drive through the icy sections and was fine. However during times the temperatures drop below freezing these areas could become very slick and hazardous. On a mountain girl scale of 1-10(10 being forget it, 1 being flat-lander safe) today with above freezing weather. I give it a four. I still recommend having chains with you for weather changes and four-wheel drive is the best. From Leetonia up to our place it is icy under the trees to Micks old place. Then the last mile to our house is the deepest of all the slush ice anywhere. After our place you are home free if you stay on Leetonia Rd. Just remember sides of the mountain the sun don't hit are still going to have ice and snow.
Tuesday we got 5 inches of snow. I didn't want to post anymore snow pictures so look at the last two posts if you want to remember what snow looks like. Most of that snow melted in the 55 degree weather today up top and the 65 degree day in Wellsboro. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out and hoping Spring comes and stays.

Spring has run away

More snow and cold

Does anyone know where the Spring has gone? We are in the single digits again this morning and got an extra inch of snow added to the pile that still hangs on the mountain. It is getting harder to believe that Spring is here when you wake up to 6 degrees. The forecast for next week isn't so grim. Somehow today it is supposed to get in the 40's and by the end of the week we are to touch 60. Please mother nature don't be lying to me. You have tempted me in the past to believe that Spring was here only to sprinkle me with more snow and turn my play ground into a freezer.

Everyone is counting the minutes until we can again move freely outside without heavy coats and boats. The summer birds are already here singing anytime it gets above freezing trying to lure Spring into making a comeback. The difference between up here and Wellsboro is as usual very significant. You would never guess there is any snow and ice here when you see mostly bare ground down there. I caution everyone not to drive on the unplowed roads without having chains with you. There is still a lot of ice and snow on North Face roads. The Sun is peaking through the bare trees as I write these words hovered over a heater. Let the warm up begin! Mountain girl, Paula logging out.

The Never Ending Winter

Snowmobiles finding plowed road

Multiple snowmobile turn arounds

last of front porch wood

Well today is the last of February and the wood on the front porch has made it through the cold weather as Lee predicated. We still have wood on the back porch for what should be the down side of winter the next few months. Although, the official end of Winter is March 21st the end of using firewood often does not come until May. We have had many below zero temperatures this winter and are hoping this morning's -12 is the last of them. Unlike the winter of 2012 when winter never showed this winter and last has had cold temperatures driving the depth of frost deep.  Last year there was still ice on the ground in April and I had a hard time getting water to start in two of the camps I take care of. This year is more of the same. We are very much hoping for the above freezing temperatures promised for next week although that will lead to the dreaded melting March combo's of mud, ice, rain, snow and whatever mother nature can think of.

For those of you thinking of driving your regular vehicle through the State Forest I would advise against it for now. No one will pull you out and it will be April before the road is plowed again. When the weather gets above freezing the nice packed snow you might have driven on will become a deep wet snow trap. One winter Lee and I spent 4 hours making the trip from Cedar Run up to the house and I walked the last 3 miles to get the snowmobile so I could pick up the groceries and Lee. Once the road refroze over night driving out again became possible. Best to wait a couple months, or plan on skiing, hiking, or snowmobling into camp for now.

We have more snow in the forecast for Sunday then a nice warm up next week.  Today we are enjoying the comfort of a good fire listening to the snow come off the roof and the snowmobilers turning around at the sight of plowed road from our house up. Enjoy the weekend in the woods safely. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Memories of Jack Bonitz live on in Leetonia

This photo was taken December 2009.  Uncle Jack (standing near bear) joined the Bear Kill club.  He is pictured here with Leann's Dad Bob in wheelchair.  (Who passed 3/2010). Leann swears it was one of his best days ever.  He drove for miles to show his friends what he bagged.  The bear was shot in Linglestown, PA area on Bob’s farm.   Jack shot many many deer in Leetonia along with turkey, grouse and a prized Bob Cat. Trout never had a chance if he was on the stream.  He was a friend to all and was well known at the local watering holes throughout Potter and Tioga county. Emailed from Leann Creamer.

Jack never let a guest go without a drink if you visited him. He was a welcoming host and a teller of tales about his adventures in Leetonia.
One of Jack's friends said: Jack is the last of the Leetonia first Generation. You'll be missed but we are happy you are with your family and life friends in heaven telling your Jack tales. We miss you, your council, your tall tales, but not taking our money.To clarify the taking of money...many a poker game was played during a dark night playing cards  and smoking cigars with his friends in Leetonia.

I remember Jack telling a couple of stories to me he claimed to be true. I will let you decide.

The Bear Incident

Jack told me he got so mad at a bear stealing the corn he put out for the deer he climbed on top of the feeder(which is at least 9' high) and waited for the bear with a bat. When the bear came he jumped down and gave him a good whacking. The bear didn't come back.

Legend of the lost wheels

He said one night he was in town at his favorite pub and it started to snow very hard. He said they got a couple feet of snow. But this did not stop Jack from driving back to camp on unplowed roads. He said he doesn't remember much of the drive, but the next morning when he got up two of the wheels and tires were gone on his truck. He claims the deep snow kept his truck up so he was able to make it back. He never did find those tires.

The Fish Story to top all fish stories

Jack claims he caught a 18" trout in the stream(No one doubts his ability to catch trout). But what happened next might be a stretch. Before he could land the trout a 24 " trout came along and grabbed the other trout. He claims to have landed both fish at the same time.

****

The Bonitz camp is on the what is called the "boneyard," where they buried a lot of cow bones. It was also the spot for the old Leetonia School House. The property was owned by Frank Wilsbach and sold to Jack's father John Bonitz. They built the existing cabin around 1958.

Jack joins many other hunting and fishing enthusiasts as well as lovers of Leetonia that now roam the woods loving every minute and sharing their tales with each other. RIP Jack from the Mountain girls, Paula and Lee Anne

reprint of
Jack's Obituary in Harrisburg Paper 

On the evening of Saturday, February 7th, 2015, John T. "Jack" Bonitz, Jr., 80, of Harrisburg, passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Community Campus of Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, PA.
Jack was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on August 19th, 1934; the oldest child of John T. Bonitz, Sr. and Sylvia M. (De Dee) Bonitz. Jack grew up spending much of his time trapping, hunting, and fishing. He was happiest while spending time at the family cabin in the mountains, fly fishing for trout. He loved to duck hunt and spent many endless days fishing on the Susquehanna River. In his later years, Jack enjoyed spending time in Ocean City, NJ, deep sea fishing and spending time with family and friends.
After graduating high school, Jack enlisted in the reserves. He served on the USS Albany and was honorably discharged in 1961. He attended college in Elizabethtown and worked for the family business, Bonnyview Development. He co-owned Bonitz Bros. Wholesale Sporting Goods. Jack loved to travel and visit with other business owners along the east coast. Later, when he partially retired, he worked for Faber Brothers and often earned top awards for being an outstanding salesman.
Jack received his Eagle Scout Award in 1949, while a member of Troop 79 in Progress. Jack was a Navy veteran, and a member of the Linglestown American Legion Post #272, and the Masonic Perseverance Lodge 21 F & A.M., Harrisburg Consistory. 
In 1957, Jack married Sally Clark (Winand). They had three children together. Jack is preceded in death by his mother and father, both paternal and maternal grandparents, many aunts and uncles as well as his brother, Robert "Bob" Bonitz, Sr., and his second wife, Kathy Fox. Jack is survived by his daughter Cindy Bonitz-Ryan and her companion Ron Reed of Bayfield, CO, son John T. Bonitz III and his wife Christine of Harrisburg, and daughter Cathy Bonitz-Eakin and her husband Kirk of Mechanicsburg; his nine grandchildren, Weylin Ryan, Ricky Ryan, Nolan Reed, Casey Reed, Steffanye Hawbaker Mack, Paige Bonitz, Ryan, Haley and Ashley Eakin. Jack is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Bonitz, his niece, Leann Bonitz Craemer, and nephew Robert Bonitz, Jr. , all of Harrisburg and his companion Carolyn Adams.
Please join the family at a Celebration of Jack's Life on Tuesday, February 17th, 2015 at 11 am at the Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, with Rev. Nathan C. Minnich, officiating. There will be a visitation from 10-11 am at the funeral home with a masonic service at 10:50 am. Graveside services will be held privately at a later date.