Victor Charles Bond passed away peacefully in February 2024, with family at his side, at the age of 100 at Northside Hospital Gwinnett, Lawrenceville, Georgia.
He is survived by daughters Carol Wetzel, Nancy Manley, Janie Campbell (son-in-law Walter) and Patricia Brantley; son Michael Bond (daughter-in-law Lisa Bond); grandchildren Max Nieme, Jennifer Watson (husband Chase Watson), Laura Blaj (husband Lucian Blaj), and Rachel Brantley; and great-grandchildren Grace, Ty, Adrian and Mia.
He was preceded in death by parents Charles Bond and Madeline “Dolce” Bannon Bond of Rumson; devoted wife Jane Bond of Irvington; youngest son John Bond; and many siblings, including sisters Doris and Emily Bond of Rumson.
Victor was born March 16, 1923, in Rumson during the Great Depression and was delivered by the town doctor, Dr. Karp, for $3. He received his sacraments at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and attended Rumson High School.
When his father died unexpectedly in 1937, Vic became the primary caregiver for his disabled mother. Thrown into abject poverty at the height of the Great Depression, he went days on end without basic necessities. The lack of heat in the winter was a real problem, the lack of food was a greater need. The Borough of Rumson provided sacks of potatoes or powdered milk, marked in very large letters “U.S. Government Relief.” Embarrassed to be seen carrying the sack home, he waited until dark to carry his sack through the woods. Though a child, he was desperate for work of any kind. This was nearly impossible due to the lack of job availability. He delivered flyers, cut grass, delivered telegrams and lit kerosene lanterns. He was orphaned in 1941.
In 1942, Vic joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pacific during World War II. He was grateful for the camaraderie and three meals a day.
Afterwards, Vic returned to New Jersey where he leveraged his experience in the service for a favorable position at Western Electric. He married Jane Roy, used the G.I. Bill to enroll in night school, raised seven children, completed a bachelor’s degree, was promoted twice nationally, and completed his master’s degree from Mercer University in Atlanta in accounting. An advocate for education, he implemented a workplace program to bring awareness to higher education benefits. He was recognized on several occasions for his contributions. This energized him until his retirement.
Once retired, Victor focused his efforts on volunteer work. He built upon his accounting experience in the business world by preparing tax forms at no cost. He also served as a hospice chaplain. A devoted member of his parish, he was active in several veterans’ groups. In 2021, he was recognized by the Philadelphia Winn chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was presented with an award for his service.
In his last years, he never met a stranger. Vic particularly enjoyed his daily long walks at Alexander Park in Lawrenceville, where a bench is dedicated in his honor. He became known for his encouragement, kindness and “no excuses” attitude to the many friends he made, even being featured on social media and studied by the gerontology department at Georgia State University. He was quick to stop a janitor to let them know they were doing God’s work. He contributed it all to the loving hand of God.
A Memorial Service and Mass were held in Lawrenceville, Georgia, at St. Marguerite D’Youville Catholic Church, followed by Marine Corps funeral honors, where many gathered to exchange stories and memories. His remains were laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to support St. Vincent De Paul. Please earmark these donations in the Memory of Vic Bond.
The article originally appeared in the October 31 – November 6, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
