Herntz Bonny

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a man whose presence was a gift to all who knew him — Mr. Herntz Bonny. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we are filled with gratitude for the 73 remarkable years Herntz lived among us, and for the legacy he now leaves behind.

Herntz Bonny was a man of extraordinary strength, deep integrity, and quiet wisdom. He worked tirelessly, often driving through the night in his yellow taxi cab on the busy streets of Manhattan — not for recognition or praise, but to give his family a better life. Because of his sacrifices, his family moved from a modest one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn to a three-bedroom home in Queens. That journey alone speaks volumes about the man he was — determined, dedicated, and unwavering in his love.

Beyond his work, Herntz was a vibrant spirit. He loved traveling with family, playing his guitar, dancing with joy, and teaching valuable life lessons. He lived with purpose, accomplishing everything he set his mind to. He was fearless, funny, and wise — a stand-up comedian in his own right, and a natural teacher whose lessons will echo across generations. He was a man who knew love deeply and truly. He was first married to Marlene Bonny, standing by her side for 35 years, through joy, illness, and until her final breath. Their love was a testimony to commitment and enduring partnership. Later, he married and shared his life with Mirlande Bonny, who remained by his side with devotion until his last breath.

He is survived by his wife Mirlande Bonny; his children Ernsie Santos-Hardy, Ernst Bonny, and Edwich Bonny; and his grandchildren Elyjah Santos, Shaniya Bonny, Cara Bonny, Evanny Santos, Eryelle Santos, and Noelle Bonny. Herntz was not only a father and grandfather, but also a beloved nephew and best friend to Justin Bonny and his wife Odette, and a cherished brother to many: Darnie and Garry Lamery, Eddy and Rose Bonny, Yanick and Harry Malbranche, Kettly Sanon and Jean Maurice, Joubert Molin, Hodgson (Bob) Molin, and Marthe Doyrin. He was preceded in death by his siblings Clarel St. Victor, Nellie Bonny, Chantel Bonny, Mirtha St. Victor, and Gerson (Nono) Molin.

He was deeply loved by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins, whose presence and grief here today are a testament to how fully Herntz’s love and legacy have reached. Nieces and Nephews: Yves and Marie Claude Jean-Philippe, Gregory and Nadege Francois Jean-Philippe, Marco Jean-Philippe, Mirna Jean-Philippe, Jean Maurice Jr. and Blondine Sanon, Joubert Molin, Jr., Nadine Sanon, Indira Bonny, Edwine and Junior Auguste, Diangha and Lawrence Petit-Frere, Tracy Lamery, Dachney Bonny, Gregory Sanon, Ghadee Bonny-Lamery, Lmjh Molin-Georges, and Hanya Malebranche; Great Nieces and nephews: Dory Jean-Philippe, MC Gregor Jean-Philippe, Gaetan Jean-Philippe,Stanley Jean-Philippe, Clarence Jean-Philippe, Dan-Tha Jean-Philippe, Dan-Ley Jean-Philippe, Leticia Jean-Philippe, Olivier Sanon, Mark Sanon, Amber Auguste, Aiden White, Arianna Auguste, Luca Graceson Petit-Frere, and Noa-Alexandria Petit-Frere; Cousins: Jean Willy and Mirlene Bellevue, Magaly and Palmer Desmerattes, Ghislaine and Ilassin Leonard, Yves and Chantal Edouard, Ronald and Tonya Bonny, and Dina Bonny.

To all of us, Herntz was a protector, a teacher, a provider, and a friend. He lived a life that embodied dedication, joy, and love — and we are all better for having known him.Though he is no longer with us in body, his presence will remain — in the songs we remember, the stories we share, and the values we carry forward.

May Herntz Bonny rest in eternal peace. And may we, his family and friends, continue to live in a way that honors the legacy he has left in our hearts.