Carlos A. Bonilla

Carlos A. Bonilla – Derry, NH

Derry, NH resident Carlos A. Bonilla, known affectionately to all as Charlie, died November 29, 2025 after a brave fight with a long illness. He was 68 years old. Born in Guatemala to his father Carlos Bonilla and his mother Zoila Fajardo, he immigrated at 12 years old to the United States with dreams of becoming a US citizen and joining the US Marine Corps. Settling in Boston with his mother and siblings, Charlie quickly fulfilled both goals. As he rose through the ranks of the Marines, he earned his college degree and several technical certifications. Charlie started his military career at Camp Lejeune, and through 10 years of service, he was stationed in such locations as Venezuela, Italy, Cuba, and California. He earned the rank of Marine Staff Sergeant before receiving his honorable discharge.

He then joined Electronic Data Systems, later acquired by Hewlett-Packard, where he retired after 30 years of progressively responsible positions.

His private life was full of laughter and love. He married his beloved high school sweetheart Margaret in 1990 and with their cherished daughter, Elizabeth, born in 1997, traveled extensively. Charlie proudly enjoyed watching Liz through soccer games, karate lessons, and earning her bachelor’s and master’ degrees. He enjoyed interacting with the family pets, especially their mini golden doodle. He was generous with this support for others, contributing time, goods and services to various causes in the US and places he traveled throughout the world. An avid sports fan, Charlie built a successful sport memorabilia business, which he nurtured in his retirement years. Love for his wife and daughter, was the center of his universe.

Charlie leaves behind several beloved siblings, including his sister Norma Egan and her husband Joseph, sister Lee Fallon and her husband James, brother Alex Fajardo and his wife Margarita and sister Nury Cordero. Charlie also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Stephen Spillane, wife Annie, brother-in-law Lee Keaten, sisters in law Elayne, and Monika Spillane. He leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews, and other in laws, family and friends in the U. S. and abroad. Late family members include his mother Zoila Fajardo, in-laws Timothy and Ruth Spillane, Timothy, Richard, Robert and David Spilane and Virginia Keaten.

A celebration of life Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph’s Church, 40 Main St., Salem, NH 03079. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Building Dreams for Marines at https://bdfm.org/

Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079 is entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com to sign the online guest book.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Carlos A. Bonilla, please visit our Tree Store.