Elliott DeBonta

Elliott J. DeBonta, age 81 of Pompton Lakes, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family who had all gathered at his bedside.

Elliott began his career with Federal Boiler where he earned his Black Seal certification. He went on to be a diesel mechanic and driver for APA Trucking. CB radios were popular during this era and Elliott’s handle was “Papa Smurf.” He would call out from his truck to the CB radio he kept at home to chat with his wife and kids when he was on the road. He concluded his career with the Montville school district, retiring as a custodian in 2011. He even mowed lawns around the neighborhood to earn what he referred to as “golf money” to feed his insatiable golf habit. He was among one of the hardest workers you would have ever met.

Elliott was a life-long resident of Pompton Lakes, growing up in the Dupont development area. He went on to graduate from Pompton Lakes High School and he was always proud to be a Cardinal. He met his wife, Maureen (nee McKenna) at “The Cardinal” luncheonette, which used to be across the street from the high school. They started dating and very quickly Maureen came to realize what a wonderful man he was. They were married on June 27, 1964, at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, followed by a honeymoon to the Pocono’s. They went on to enjoy fifty-eight years of very loving and caring marriage. They visited the Catskills every Memorial Day Weekend for many years, and they also enjoyed several cruises. Elliott’s favorite vacation was a cruise to Bermuda. Maureen knows how fortunate she is to have had such a devoted husband who was truly wonderful to her. She will miss him dearly.

Elliott was a true golfer at heart and played as often as he could. His favorite course was “The Gap” in Pennsylvania. He also enjoyed hunting when he was a young man and Maureen recalls the first time he came home with a rabbit he had successfully hunted. That was also the last time he came home with a dead rabbit. He also took great pride in maintaining the lawn around his home. He was meticulous and perhaps even a little over-the-top about keeping his lawn looking perfect. “Get off the lawn!!!” was something you were sure to hear if he caught you walking on the grass. There was really nothing that made Elliott more happy, though, than to spend time with his family. He was supportive, funny, sensitive, loving, and even a little crazy at times. He liked to bust-chops, but always in an endearing way. He was “Poppy” to his eight grandchildren, a moniker that always made him smile. He adored his grandchildren so much and they will all miss his unconditional love.

Elliott is survived by his darling wife, Maureen, of Pompton Lakes, their three children; Kevin DeBonta and his wife Dana of Pompton Lakes, Patrick “Rick” DeBonta and his wife Heather of Highland Lakes, Meghan Garrett and her husband Dennis of Hewitt, and eight grandchildren: Zachary, Joseph, Haley, Noel, Chloe, Finnegan, Kennedy, and Collin.

Those wishing to make a donation in Elliott’s memory are asked to please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org.