Dr. Sylvain Boni

Sylvain Boni of Blue Bell, PA passed on November 13, 2023 at age 92. Beloved husband of Georgia (nee Koorhan). Loving father of Michael Boni (Anna) and Dennis Boni (Rene), and step-father of Oren Giskan (Jill) and Sharona Vakni. Loving grandfather of Erica, Daniel, Gabriel, Megan, and Ethan Boni, Arielle and Eli Vakni, and Harper Giskan. Adored brother of Raymond (Corrine) z"l and Claude (Sandra) Boni, z”l. Also cherished by many nieces and nephews.

Born in Paris, France, Sylvain and his family fled to America as refugees aboard the USS Henry Gibbins in 1944, after a harrowing escape from war-torn Europe. He and his family spent 2 years in the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter in Oswego, NY, ultimately settling in Phila. A graduate of Central High School (Class of 193) and Temple U., Sylvain became a French teacher at Central and was a union rep with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. He was the Director of Har Zion Day Camp, Camp Arthur, and other summer camps. Sylvain later earned a Ph.D. in existential philosophy from Bryn Mawr College, and taught philosophy courses at LaSalle and Arcadia Universities. A kind, witty, loving man devoted to family, Sylvain was a dedicated “teacher” to his students and to all who knew him.

The family will receive condolences and host a celebration of Sylvain's life at the residence of Michael and Anna Boni in Rittenhouse Square on Saturday, November 18, from 1-4 p.m. (Email mboni@bonizack.com for address.) A private memorial will follow. Contributions in his memory may be made to Jewish National Fund USA, www.jnf.org/supportisrael.