Mr. Mario F. Fontaine

Mr. Mario F. Fontaine, age 88, of Utica, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at the St. Luke’s Home with his loving family by his side. Mario was born in Utica on December 1, 1922, the son of the late Salvatore and Providence (Coletti) Fontaine. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1940 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran of World War II, he honorably served his country in the United States Army stationed in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp, and earned a Bronze Star Medal for valor. On August 30, 1947, he married the former Monica Hughes with whom he shared 62 years prior to her passing on September 1, 2009; they were well-suited for one another and loved each other with dedication and loyalty and enjoyed many happy times. In 1947 Mario established Fontaine’s Service Station located on Arthur St. The first and last of its kind, it was a full service gas station. For the first 29 years, he represented Gulf Oil Corporation and was the recipient of numerous awards. During his years in business, he earned the respect of his customers, not only in Cornhill but throughout the entire community, resulting in many friendships. His sons assisted him during the years with the family business and after a rewarding career; he retired at the age of 82. A wonderful husband and a loving, giving father, he was admired and honored by his wife and children. His family was his mainstay and he worked in a diligent way to provide a home and a lifestyle that was practical and supportive. One of the highlights of his later years was traveling to Washington D.C. with local veterans to visit Arlington National Cemetery and the World War II Memorial. He also had a great love for animals evidenced by the many dogs he had as pets throughout the years. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Mario is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ronald M. Sr. and Josette M. Fontaine of Utica; his daughter, Lyn Oyer of Clifton Park, NY; and his daughter-in-law, Paula Fontaine of Whitesboro. Always close to his heart were the memories of his son, Gary R. Fontaine, who passed away on June 18, 2009, and his son-in-law, Larry Oyer, who passed away on January 11, 2011. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ronald M. Fontaine, Jr., Michele and Bob Roberts, Lisa D. Fontaine; Kristina Fiorini and Brian Listovitch, Gary Fontaine, Jr.; Sara Tucciarone, Jackie Tucciarone and Chris Perkins; and his adored great-grandsons, Michael Fiorini, and Max Joseph Roberts. He also leaves his sister, Mary Leo; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, S. Steve and Delores Fontaine, and Gerald and Marion Fontaine; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Wavel and Joseph Cichello, Brunhilde Hughes, and Betty Burrows. He was blessed with many special friends during his lifetime with particular mention of Charles, Sr. and Connie Gaetano. He was predeceased by his infant sister, Santina Fontaine; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Lucy Fontaine, Albert “Booboo” and Shirley Fontaine; brother-in-law, Liberty Leo; his father- and mother-in-law, William and Catherine Hughes; and in-laws, Gwilym Hughes, John Hughes and Dylis Jones. The family would like to thank Drs. Affaf Munir and Ira Tisch and the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Intensive Care and Special Care Units and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center and Nursing Home; who provided consistent and compassionate care to Mario. Also, a special thank you to Rev. Anthony P. LaFache for his pastoral visits. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please refrain from floral offerings. Mario’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Committal service with Military Honors will follow with interment in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Mario F. Fontaine

December 1, 1922 - August 20, 2011