PORT TOWNSEND — Civic icon James “Bonzo” DeLeo, who volunteered for everything from Easter egg hunts to veterans’ ceremonies, died Tuesday at Jefferson Healthcare Hospital. He was 85.
“It’s hard to describe him,” said Meg Anderson, event coordinator for the Elks Lodge No. 317 in Port Townsend.
“This man lived and breathed community service.”
A memorial Mass is scheduled for noon on Saturday, April 5, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
A celebration of life is planned afterward at the American Legion hall. He was a 60-year member of the Legion.
Port Townsend residents say they remember Bonzo for his compassion, service to the community and love for the city and the people in it.
LaVon Turley, who had taken over Bonzo’s job as Elks secretary — he served a total of 18 years in two stints — said that not only was he the father of Elkdom in the area, but also that he defined the word by just being around.
