ScubaPro co-founder Dick Bonin has died at the age of 85, the company announced this week.
Bonin led Scubapro for almost 30 years, according to the book “Diving Pioneers: An Oral History Of Diving In America.”
He also served in the U.S. Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams and helped found what was then called the Diving Equipment Manufacturers Association. In 1992, Bonin was inducted into DEMA’s Hall of Fame.
Joe Stella, group vice president for diving at ScubaPro, said of Bonin:
“The passing of Dick Bonin, our founder, saddens us all. If it were not for Dick’s hard work and vision, ScubaPro would not exist.
“Not only did he form a brand, he formed an industry — most of us are diving thanks to him. Many of us at ScubaPro have been able to spend time with Dick — some of us were even lucky to work side by side with him.”
