Russell (Ted) Bonsall passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 30, 2011 after a two-year battle with leukemia. He was born on November 30, 1942, exactly sixty-nine years earlier.
Ted grew up in Broomall, Pennsylvania and was the son of Edgar D Bonsall, Jr., and Mildred (Paxson) Bonsall. He was the grandson of Edgar D Bonsall, who managed the historic general store in Broomall.
After graduating from Marple-Newtown High School in 1960, he went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. Aside from summers earning a Master's Degree in Mathematics from The Ohio State University, Annville would be his home forever more.
From Annville, he would commute to his life's work as an educator and coach at Hershey High School in the Derry Township School District. During his 38-year tenure, Ted taught a variety of mathematics courses, concluding his career as head of the mathematics department. Ted helped to ensure that students were provided access to challenging courses in mathematics through the promotion and development of advanced placement courses.
While teaching at Hershey, Ted also coached baseball and wrestling. He was named the head varsity baseball coach in 1970. During the 33 seasons he coached, he led the Hershey Trojans to several league titles as well as the 1982 state championship.
Despite having little background in wrestling, he offered to coach the junior high school team for 15 years. During this time, the teams he coached went undefeated for six seasons, during which time the team won 57 consecutive matches.
In addition to teaching and coaching, Ted gave his time to many extra-curricular activities for the benefit of the students. He chaperoned trips, acted in the faculty plays, and helped manage the dinner portion of the school's annual dinner theatre.
Whether teaching or coaching, Ted was known as a disciplinarian. He placed as much importance on effort and conduct as he did on results. While tough, he was fair and cared deeply about helping the students grow and learn.
Ted also enjoyed antiquing, gardening, reading, traveling, fishing, watching his favorite baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies, and doing just about anything with his loving wife of 45 years, Dorothy (Dottie) Bonsall. In addition to Dottie, Ted is survived by his daughter Christine (Bonsall) Britton, his eldest son Mark Bonsall and his wife Melanie, and his youngest son Todd Bonsall.
Most of all, Ted was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. One of Ted's greatest joys was supporting and encouraging his grandchildren, Andrew and Ellie Britton and Natalie and Ava Bonsall in all of their endeavors.