Ionca Bonca

It is with deep love and sadness that we share the passing of Iustin Ilie Bonca, who went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2025, at 7:08 pm at the age of 97. Born in Romania, Iustin lived a long and humble life marked by his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, his devotion to family, his tireless work ethic, and his generous heart toward others.

At the age of 26, he married Florica Bonca, and together they shared 70 years of marriage, built on love, faith, and endurance. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and his son Sabin, whom he missed deeply every day. Florica passed away on August 7, 2024, at 91 years old. He is survived by his son Iustin, his sister Norica, brothers Nicolae and Teodor, his daughter-in-law Dana, and his grandchildren Andrei, Cindy, and Alex, all of whom he loved and prayed for faithfully by name.

Iustin worked as a carpenter for many years, building more than just furniture — he built a reputation for honesty, kindness, and skill. He worked for a small family business where his boss, Carlos, became more like a friend than an employer. Even after Iustin retired, Carlos continued to stay in touch— a small example of the quiet impact Iustin had on the people around him.

But Iustin’s greatest joy was not found in his work — it was in his faith. He loved Jesus Christ and his church deeply and served faithfully for many years as the treasurer at Elim Romanian Church of God in Florida. He was also a devoted member of the choir, often leading the congregation in prayer with a humble and sincere heart. Even as dementia slowly took away his memory, his love for God and the church never faded. He would often be found reading from the Book of Psalms, sometimes reading the same chapter more than once, unaware he had just finished it. He would talk about wanting to go back to church, asking when the next service would be. He never stopped praying — for the church and its leadership, for our family, and for his grandchildren by name. His body grew weaker with time, but his faith only grew stronger.

One of the most remarkable things about Iustin was his deep reverence and fear of God. Though he was once offered the role of deacon, he humbly declined, believing that the honorable and God-fearing choice was to step aside because of certain family matters at the time. His decision reflected his integrity and the weight he gave to serving God with a pure heart. Even so, he never stopped praying fervently — that his family would know and walk with God the same way he did. His prayers were constant, sincere, and filled with faith.

He often shared stories about the Power of God. One story in particular was when his mom broke her hand while she was working the fields. Back then, there were not many doctors who could help. But at prayer that same night, God healed her hand instantly.

Those who knew Iustin will remember his gentle spirit, his quiet strength, and his kind smile. He found joy in the simple things — singing in church, sharing meals, telling stories of God’s goodness, and spending time with those he loved.

He has now finished his race and is at peace in the arms of his Savior, reunited with those he loved, and leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and prayer.