Paul Edward Bonifay, 97, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Born on July 27, 1928, to the late Ethel and Edward Gale Bonifay Jr. Paul was a native Pensacolian who took great pride in the city that many generations of his family have called home. He had wonderful memories of swimming with friends at Bayview Park, visiting his grandparents in North Hill, and helping in his grandfather's business downtown as a teenager. He often recalled watching boxing matches next to the Casino on Pensacola Beach, listening to his father's band at various Pensacola venues, and dancing at the San Carlos Hotel. Many of his fondest memories were of time spent relaxing with family and friends on the wooded shores of Bayou Texar and the pristine waters of Pensacola Bay. Paul's love of this historic city was passed on to his daughters and grandchildren who continue to call this city their home. After graduating from Pensacola High School, Paul spied "a very pretty girl" at his brother's party. He and Madelyn would go on to marry and spend a wonderful 58 years together. Paul was working at the US Post Office when he was drafted by the US Army and thus became a veteran of the Korean War. After returning home, Paul completed the Department of the Navy's 4-year Aviation Metalsmith Apprenticeship program at NAS Pensacola and began his civil service career. Paul did his part to keep Pensacola's skies abuzz with the Navy's aircraft, from the orange and white trainers to the iconic blue and yellow, Blue Angels. When he retired from a position in planning and procurement, he had spent over 30 years in civil service. Paul was a longtime member of the former East Hill Baptist Church, now Hillcrest Baptist Church. There, he and Madelyn spent many years loving the Lord, serving others, and creating lifelong friendships. They especially enjoyed the time spent there with their family, and their great example of faith and service has been an inspiration to many. Paul loved a good game of dominoes, Friday nights with the large extended family, sharing jokes, and making his grandchildren laugh. Paul was a smart but humble man, always kind and fair, and known for being helpful when he had opportunities to serve his family, friends, and church. He truly had a gift for making folks feel comfortable and was always making friends with everyone he met. He valued his friendships and prayed aloud nightly for those he loved. Paul enjoyed sharing tales of the past while looking to the future and especially loved welcoming new members into his ever-growing family. Even as his sight greatly declined in later years, he continued to be cheerful and content, with his only lament being that he could no longer see the faces of those he loved. A man of inner strength and resolution, he continued to live independently until the age of 95. He had an immeasurable love for his family and being with them - especially his grandchildren - gave him great joy. We have all been blessed by his loving and steadfast presence in our lives and he will be deeply missed.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Madelyn; as well as his brother, Richard Bonifay.

Survivors include his daughters, Linda Thompson (John) and Pamela Piotrowski (David); his beloved sister, Rona Gonzalez; his memory will also be cherished by his 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until a Funeral Service begins at 2:00pm Friday, January 2, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Dan Davis of Hillcrest Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Independence for the Blind of Northwest Florida, 3107 N. Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32503.

The family would like to thank Maria and Debbie for their friendship and care for Paul, as well as staff at the Haven of Pensacola where he recently resided. A special thank you to our friends at the front desk and those who worked on Trinity Court who shared Dad's jokes and banter. You truly made a difference.