Mrs. Bonnie Jean Ecker Pinto

Let us remember with gratitude Bonnie Jean Ecker Pinto, spouse of Rev. Robert Pinto, retired Associate Member of the New York Conference. Bonnie Jean died at 65 years of age on Sunday, September 29, 2013 following a long illness. The Pintos were married in 1986 when Pastor Bob was appointed to the Rock Hill, New York church.

Bonnie Jean was born July 10, 1948 in Middletown, NY, the oldest of four siblings. She knew from early childhood that she wanted to teach. Following graduation from Pine Bush High School she entered the State University at New Paltz where she completed her undergraduate studies and earned a Master’s Degree in teaching and music. She founded the Little Lambs Christian Nursery School at the Bullville UMC in 1991. She taught there long enough for the nursery school students from that first class to enroll their own children to her care.

A woman of deep faith, she ministered with her husband Rev. Robert H. Pinto at the Rock Hill, Woodridge and Hurleyville UMCs. Bonnie was an ordained minister of the Missionary Church International.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 17 years, Bob Pinto; her mother, Shirley Ecker; three daughters: Bonnie Lee Medeiros and her spouse Jordan, Andrea Fuller and her spouse Alan, and Darlene Long and her spouse Yolanda; two step-children: Barbara Pinto and Steven Pinto and his spouse Paige; a sister, two brothers, and nine grandchildren. Bonnie’s father, Stephen J. Ecker, died on January 6, 2011.

Calling hours will be held at the Cornelius, Dodd and Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove Street, Middletown, NY 10940 on Friday, October 4 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held on Saturday, October 5 at the Bullville UMC, 2857 Route 17K, Bullville, NY 10915, at 1:30pm. The committal service will be held at the Bullville Cemetery, Bullville, NY.

Donations in her memory may be made to Orange-Sullivan County Hospice, The Bullville United Methodist Church, or Little Lambs Nursery School.

Expressions of sympathy and support may be sent to:
Rev. Robert Pinto
P.O. Box 805
Rock Hill, NY 12775