Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-14

HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID PAUL BONNER

Veterans

Context

On 2026-05-14, Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID PAUL BONNER" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID PAUL BONNER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E446] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID PAUL BONNER ______ HON. CHRIS PAPPAS of new hampshire in the house of representatives Thursday, May 14, 2026 Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. David Paul Bonner, who recently passed away at the age of 73. Dave was a beloved member of the Concord, New Hampshire community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Dave was born and raised in Concord, where he chose to live his entire life alongside his wife and closest friend, Paula. Countless individuals in the community came to know him over the years, and he was known by many as the ``unofficial mayor'' of Concord. He carried himself with an infectious personality and a genuine love and care for others, paired with a witty spirit and a remarkable gift for storytelling. Dave was a proud veteran of the United States Army and spent time stationed in Germany. He was also a beloved mail carrier for the USPS in Concord and worked as a taxi driver, a Hampton Beach nightclub bouncer, and a corrections officer over the years. His hard work and resilience came from a passionate commitment to serve his community and provide for his family. Aside from his work, Dave was always passionate about sports and proved to be a versatile, multi-sport athlete, trying his hand at skiing, football, hockey, and much more. He was a fixture at the Green Street Community Center in Concord every Sunday, and was an avid basketball player and referee for much of his adulthood. When not playing or officiating, he was often in the stands watching games ranging from the youth to the collegiate level. He also had a genuine passion for the arts, especially theatre and music. He frequented the Ogunquit Playhouse for productions in the summer and would often listen to music by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Tom Rush. Much like his strong work ethic and tender compassion, his diverse interests endeared him to his many friends and loved ones. Dave leaves behind his wife, Paula, and their three children, Matt, Becky, and Luke. His children shared his passion for sports and were incredible athletes and students, earning college scholarships for basketball. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren. Those who knew Dave understood that he was immensely proud of his family and cherished them every day of his life. They shared that same love and affection for him. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, I send my deepest condolences to the Bonner family and all of Dave's loved ones. As they grieve their loss, we know that Dave's abounding love, passion for sports and the arts, hard work, and service to his country and community are an inspiring example for all of us to follow. Although he will be dearly missed, his memory lives on in our communities through all the people whose lives he touched over the years. The stories he told and the memories he shared with those around him will endure for many years to come. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID PAUL BONNER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E446] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID PAUL BONNER ______ HON. CHRIS PAPPAS of new hampshire in the house of representatives Thursday, May 14, 2026 Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. David Paul Bonner, who recently passed away at the age of 73. Dave was a beloved member of the Concord, New Hampshire community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Dave was born and raised in Concord, where he chose to live his entire life alongside his wife and closest friend, Paula. Countless individuals in the community came to know him over the years, and he was known by many as the ``unofficial mayor'' of Concord. He carried himself with an infectious personality and a genuine love and care for others, paired with a witty spirit and a remarkable gift for storytelling. Dave was a proud veteran of the United States Army and spent time stationed in Germany. He was also a beloved mail carrier for the USPS in Concord and worked as a taxi driver, a Hampton Beach nightclub bouncer, and a corrections officer over the years. His hard work and resilience came from a passionate commitment to serve his community and provide for his family. Aside from his work, Dave was always passionate about sports and proved to be a versatile, multi-sport athlete, trying his hand at skiing, football, hockey, and much more. He was a fixture at the Green Street Community Center in Concord every Sunday, and was an avid basketball player and referee for much of his adulthood. When not playing or officiating, he was often in the stands watching games ranging from the youth to the collegiate level. He also had a genuine passion for the arts, especially theatre and music. He frequented the Ogunquit Playhouse for productions in the summer and would often listen to music by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Tom Rush. Much like his strong work ethic and tender compassion, his diverse interests endeared him to his many friends and loved ones. Dave leaves behind his wife, Paula, and their three children, Matt, Becky, and Luke. His children shared his passion for sports and were incredible athletes and students, earning college scholarships for basketball. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren. Those who knew Dave understood that he was immensely proud of his family and cherished them every day of his life. They shared that same love and affection for him. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, I send my deepest condolences to the Bonner family and all of Dave's loved ones. As they grieve their loss, we know that Dave's abounding love, passion for sports and the arts, hard work, and service to his country and community are an inspiring example for all of us to follow. Although he will be dearly missed, his memory lives on in our communities through all the people whose lives he touched over the years. The stories he told and the memories he shared with those around him will endure for many years to come. ____________________