Francis J. Bonner, M.D., "Frank", of Vero Beach, Florida, died on April 29, 2024, at the age of 81 with his wife of 38 years, Colleen, by his side.

Frank was a well-respected physician and developer of rehabilitation hospitals around the country. He was Director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Sacred Heart Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Additionally, he served as Chairman of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for 28 years, and as residency Program Director at the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his impressive career, Frank developed four rehabilitation hospitals, the first in Vero Beach, Florida, and most recently the Rehabilitation Hospital of South Jersey in Vineland, New Jersey, which he operated until his retirement in 2008.

Frank was a Fellow of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Board of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. He served on numerous Boards, including the United States Presidential Scholars, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the Lupus Foundation of America, the Department of Physical Medicine at Mt. Sinai and Graduate Hospitals, the Friends of the National Library of Medicine (past President), the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Frank was instrumental in establishing the John Henry Newman Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on encouraging research and education in Ireland. The University College Dublin conferred Frank an Honorary Doctorate of Science in 2017.

Born on October 9, 1942, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Frank was the second of nine children born to Marion (Henderson) Bonner and Dr. Francis Bonner. Frank and his siblings were raised in a Roman Catholic family who celebrated their Irish heritage. He served as an altar boy during his childhood and was a strong student at Devon Preparatory School, in Devon, Pennsylvania, before graduating from Malvern Preparatory School, in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Frank received a Bachelor of Science from Mt. Saint Mary's University, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, before moving to Ireland for medical training. He earned his medical degree from the University College Dublin School of Medicine and, thereafter, received his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania.

Frank served his patients, his community, and his alma maters with great dedication and distinction. He devoted his life to helping and providing for others. He was a connoisseur of wine, an avid boater, and an enthusiast of art, skiing, and travel. Frank lived largely and generously. He enjoyed sharing experiences and creating memories with his loved ones over everything else.

His inviting, giving, and deeply principled personality, combined with his astute medical acumen and quick wit, allowed Frank to be a deeply loved and respected man in every community where he lived or served.

These communities include the city of Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs, the University of Pennsylvania, the Town of Avalon, New Jersey, and the community of John's Island in Vero Beach, Florida.

Frank became close friends with many throughout his life. Love of Country led him to host two U.S. Presidents and a Vice President at his home. He was also the personal physician of several notable figures.

Through all of these interests, what he valued most was the friends he met along the way. The respect and admiration he gave to them and reciprocal respect and admiration that he received was the true bounty of his life.

Frank was a member of the Union League of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Country Club, the Merion Cricket Club, the Johns Island Club, and the Quail Valley Club.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen C. Bonner, and his three loving children: his son, Francis J. Bonner III ("Sean") (Mrs. Alicia O'Brien Bonner) from a previous marriage to Dr. Hillary Hart, his daughter, Kathleen B. Benjamin (Mr. William E. Benjamin IV), and his son, Dr. Kirk H. Bonner.

Frank is also survived by his five grandchildren: Emma, Fionn, Declan, Beau, and Cara.

With his passing comes great sorrow. Frank was loved and admired by so many and he will be sincerely missed and forever loved. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Curtis Institute of Music or the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Relatives and friends are invited on Friday May 10th, Visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 AM with Funeral Mass to begin at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the University Campus, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova PA.  Interment is private.