Obituary of Bonnie M. Ryan

Bonnie (Pontillo) Ryan, 86, of Aston, PA, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. It feels fitting that she left us on Christmas Day, a season she loved so deeply. Christmas brought Bonnie pure joy - decorations, family gatherings, faith, music, and the simple magic of being together - and it will forever carry her memory with it.

Bonnie was born and raised in Chester, PA, and graduated from Notre Dame High School, Class of 1958. Shortly after graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart and began what would become the greatest love story of her life - building a family. Becoming a wife, mother, grandmother, and eventually a great-grandmother. Her family was always her whole world.

In 1988, Bonnie started Ryan’s Deli, where she poured her heart and soul into the business. To Bonnie, it was never just work - it was another way to care for people, connect with the community, and provide for those she loved. Bonnie’s love for her family knew no boundaries and she was truly the center of their world. She was a kind, loving, and patient woman with an easy demeanor and an unwavering faith in God. Bonnie lived a simple life rooted in family and faith, placing both at the center of all she did. She was a role model to her five children, offering a constant source of love, support, and spiritual guidance. Her infectious personality and larger-than-life Catholic faith will be cherished by her family forever.

Bonnie also had a tremendous impact on the lives of her friends. She was the kind of person who would always go out of her way for those she loved - and even for those she barely knew. She willingly offered a listening ear, a helping hand, and never hesitated to remind you to pray. Her warmth, sincerity, and humor made her a cherished friend to many, and her absence leaves an undeniable emptiness.

Though we will miss her more than words can express, Bonnie’s love remains with us. It will live on in family traditions, in quiet prayers, in moments of kindness, and especially in every Christmas we celebrate. She will forever be our light - a comforting presence reminding us that love never ends.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Dominic and Margurite Pontillo; her beloved husband of 61 years, James W. Ryan, Jr.; her grandson, Francis “Frankie” Ryan; and her sonin-law, Steven Weikel.

She is survived by her children: James Ryan (Susan), Jill Weikel, Judith Mills (James), Gary Ryan, and Darrin (Deb) Ryan.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan (Shannon), Danielle, Wesley (Sierra), Rebecca (Kevin), Jeffrey and

Natalie.

Bonnie is further survived by her brothers, Earl Pontillo and Ralph Pontillo (Jeanette); seven great-grandchildren (and one on the way) and many loving nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to extend our sincere THANK YOU to Cathy and to the extraordinary team at Heartland Hospice for extending gentle care, kindness and dignity throughout the past few years of their service.

Visitation: Tuesday, December 30th from 6:00-8:00PM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063, and Wednesday, December 31st after 10:00AM at St. Francis de Sales Church, 35 New Rd., Aston, PA 19014.

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, December 31st at 11:00AM at St. Francis de Sales Church.

Interment: St. Frances de Sales Churchyard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Frances de Sales Church, 35 New Rd., Aston, PA 19014.