Roger Bonsteel

Roger Edward Bonsteel, 77, of Kingston, NY, passed peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025 after a brief illness. Born on July 3, 1948 in Cortland, NY, Roger was the son of the late Lawrence Bonsteel and Kathleen Putnam, and his stepfather, Philip Putnam.

Roger grew up in McGraw, NY, later attending Hamilton College and Colgate University, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Mathematics. Shortly after, Roger enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving 4 years and reaching the rank of Captain. Roger married his college sweetheart, Susan, in 1970, having met on a blind date - one that resulted in 55 years of marriage. Roger and Sue welcomed a son, Jeff, in 1973 while stationed in Philadelphia. The family then moved to the Buffalo, NY area where Roger worked for Marine Midland Bank. In 1977, Roger and Sue welcomed their second child, daughter Sarah. Roger shortly thereafter accepted a position at IBM in Kingston, later IBM Poughkeepsie, moving to Kingston in 1978. After 29 years at IBM, Roger retired in 2007, where he then spent most of his time working in his yard, riding his motorcycle, singing with the Mendelssohn Club, serving as an AARP tax preparer volunteer, acting as treasurer of Angel Food East, or helping out at church.

Roger was an avid car aficionado, golfer, and dedicated parishioner and treasurer of St. John’s Episcopal Church. In addition to traveling with his wife and family, Roger thoroughly enjoyed his role as “Grandpa,” taking immense joy and pride in his four grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, the Reverend Deacon Susan Bonsteel, his son Jeffrey (Kerry) Bonsteel, daughter Sarah (Mark) Lesniak, and his four grandchildren: Cooper, Thomas, Catherine, and Andrew. One of four children, he is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth (George) Wiggans, Deborah (Robert) Gebczyk, and Susan (Steve) Goodrich, stepbrothers Frank (Fay) Putnam, Warren (Kathy) Putnam and stepsister Mary (Mike) Johnshoy, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Roger’s family will greet guests at 10:00 am prior to a funeral service which will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 207 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Immediately following the service, interment will take place in St. John’s Columbarium.

For those who wish, contributions in Roger’s memory may be made to Angel Food East, P.O. Box 3813, Kingston, NY 12402, or donate on-line at https://www.angelfoodeast.org/donate.