Edward Bonneville

Eddie was born in Manchester, NH on September 16, 1930 to Alfred and Albertine (Cote) Bonneville.

He was well known throughout the community of Manchester most notably for his business accomplishments. His entrepreneurial skills began to emerge at age 15 when he owned and operated two shoeshine parlors on Elm Street.

His desire was so strong to serve his country, that at age 17 he enlisted as a member of the US Armed Forces. Upon his honorable discharge, he began working for his father's gas station business on Lowell Street and that is where his passion for the automotive industry began.

Eddie and his father Alfred quickly expanded the business by moving to the corner of Hooksett Road and Webster Street where they purchased a Simca dealership, followed by an AMC dealership. In 1983, acting on his savvy business sense, he purchased the Dodge franchise and expanded to a larger location just a half mile away on Hooksett Road. The business prospered and grew and so it became necessary to acquire an additional location at 625 Hooksett Rd., the former Longo's Furniture. The building underwent a complete remodel and reopened in 2001 under the Bonneville name.

The business expanded again to include the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep franchises. Ever

the visionary, Mr. Bonneville took a risk and purchased a new and little known Kia franchise, which continues to be extremely successful under the leadership of his grandson, Damien.

Bonneville & Son Inc., now owned and operated by his son, Edward A. continues to grow as a 5 star dealership after more than 60 years in business and has become the #1 Chrysler dealership in New Hampshire and is in the top 10% of the nation's dealers in terms of customer sales and satisfaction.

Though he dedicated himself to building a successful business, Eddie always found time to relax and unwind while enjoying one of his many hobbies. He was a member of the Cercle National Club and was appointed to the Queen City Pool League Hall of Fame. Playing bridge was also one his favorite pastimes and he was a member of the American Contract Bridge League, earning the title of Silver Life Master, going on to compete in national tournaments including one in Washington DC. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Manchester Country Club and Martin Downs Country Club in Palm City FL.

Eddie's business, Bonneville and Son, continues to sponsor numerous charity golf tournaments all over the state of New Hampshire. The dealership's charitable contributions also include donations to Kristen's Gift at CHAD, The Salvation Army Santa Fund, NH food bank and many others. On a personal level, Eddie and his wife, Janice hosted an international exchange student from Germany and opened their home for eight summers to a child from the Fresh Air Fund. They also made numerous charitable contributions to various groups in their Florida community including the sponsorship of a soccer field at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, which bears the Bonneville name.

Eddie leaves behind the love of his life, Janice (Flood) Bonneville of Palm City FL, his wife of nearly 21 years. Though he was a successful businessman, Eddie would consider his greatest accomplishment in life to be his children. He was preceded in death by daughter Bonnie (Bonneville) Mailhot. He is survived by son, Edward A. (Joann) Bonneville of Bedford, daughter, Brenda (Richard) Blanchette of Center Barnstead, and Madison and Spencer still at home; grandchildren, Damien (Sarah) Bonneville of New Boston, Kasie (Nathan) Jean of York, ME, Kyle (Courtney) Blanchette of Kalamazoo, MI, and Nicholas and Alex Bonneville of Bedford; great grandchildren, Benjamin and Owen Bonneville of New Boston, Cody and Collin Jean of York, ME, and Vera Blanchette of Kalamazoo MI; and eight brothers and sisters in law. He delighted in spending time with his nieces and nephews and will be especially missed by Alana, Abbey and Aislinn Hess of Danville, NH, Emilie Kirkpatrick and Noah Jones of Palm City, FL and Molly Jones of Pittsburgh, PA.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, corner of Webster and Hemlock streets, Manchester. Committal prayers followed at Mt. Calvary Mausoleum, 474 Goffstown Road, Manchester.

A memorial service will also be held at later date in Palm City, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.