Norm Bonahoom

Saleem Norman Bonahoom, 90, of Fort Wayne passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 11, 2024.  Born December 30, 1933 in Chicago, IL, Norm was the son of the late Selma Bonahoom and Michael Bonahoom.  Norm attended Central Catholic High School and then served in the US Air Force before completing his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University.

He is survived by his four children, Barbara (David) Rumsey, Gregory (Coleen) Bonahoom, Bryan (Kathie) Bonahoom, and James (Lisa) Bonahoom.  He is also survived by six step children, Joan (Bruce) Rikli, Karen Pierce, Dwight (Christine) Pierce, Ann (Greg) Baker, Susan (Skip) Reese, and Jill (Andy) Woodward.  Norm is also survived by twenty-four grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren with two on the way.  Norm is preceded in death by his brother Michael, first wife Patricia Ann, second wife Patricia Joan, granddaughter Kiersten Woodward.

Norm spent most of his career at Magnavox in Fort Wayne.  Over the years, he worked in microchip design, aerospace electronics, and leading the Air Traffic Control Business unit at Magnavox.  After initial retirement Norm worked as a consultant for ITT Industries.  His business colleagues and customers through the years became close friends and remained lifelong friends.

In his younger years, Norm enjoyed water skiing and snow skiing.  He transitioned into bird hunting with two of his dearest friends for many years.  And in retirement, he took up woodworking more seriously and made several pieces of furniture for his children and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed playing golf with his friends, cousins, and sons and cheering for Purdue.

His most precious time was spent with family and friends enjoying life and sharing his great sense of humor.  He will be missed dearly by so many people whose lives he touched.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2100 Randallia Dr. with visitation from 10:00-11:00am in the church.  Visitation is also from 4-8pm Friday at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, with the Rosary at 3:30pm.  Norm will be interred in Catholic Cemetery with military honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the St.Vincent de Paul Society of Fort Wayne, online at svdpsfw.org or by mail to 1600 S Calhoun St Fort Wayne, IN 46802, or to the Kiersten Woodward Memorial Fund, online at www.kwmemorialfund.org or by mail to 8326 Haggard Ct., Martinsville, IN 46151.