Mr. Salvatore "Steve" Fontaine

Mr. Salvatore “Steve” Fontaine, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2012 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side. Salvatore was born in Utica on January 24, 1931, the son of the late Salvatore and Providence (Coletti) Fontaine. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1949. On August 7, 1965 at St. John the Baptist Church in Rome, NY, he married the former Delores “Dee” Sabia with whom he shared 46 years; they were a dedicated couple who guided one another through life. Steve’s employment was diverse and included positions with the General Electric Company/Kent St. location, Fontaine’s Service Station where he particularly enjoyed the body repair aspect of his work, Roadway Express where he was hired as a dispatcher, Chicago Pneumatic where he was employed as a machinist, and lastly the Utica Transit Authority where he held a job as a driver, retiring in 1996. Steve was an incredibly humble and dependable man, and he was conscientious and heartfelt in all his relationships. In his quiet, steadfast way, he watched over those he loved and endeared himself not only to his beloved family, but also to many whose lives he touched. The joy in his heart was enhanced whenever he was gathered with his cherished family. Steve was a car enthusiast and took pleasure in his position behind the wheel. In more recent years, he especially enjoyed the amenities of a Lincoln, comfortably traveling with his wife and friends on many road trips. He was also a steadfast NY Yankees fan. Steve was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and an active and proud member of the Sons of Italy Lodge where he and his wife had so many wonderful memories of social activities and enduring friendships. As an avid golfer and past member of the Valley View Golf Club, he frequented the fairways for many years. He was blessed with harmonious vocals, and was at one time a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, historically named the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving barbershop music as an art form. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Steve is survived by his wife, Delores; his sons, David Fontaine of Utica, and Brian Fontaine of Manlius; and his adored granddaughters, Gabriela, and Anna. He also leaves his sister, Mary Leo; his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Marion Fontaine, all of Utica. Steve was also blessed with other relatives residing in Hibbing, St. Cloud, St. Paul, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, Virginia, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Florida, and Vermont. His extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was blessed with the very loyal friendship of Thomas and Beatrice Rabbia, and Anthony and Carol Carzo who have shown such love and support. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Santina Fontaine; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Lucy Fontaine, Albert and Shirley Fontaine, and Mario and Monica Fontaine; his special nephew, Gary Fontaine; and his brother-in-law, Liberty Leo. A genuine and sincere thank you is extended for the care and kindness offered over the years by Dr. Steven Kussin, Dr. Norman Neslin, Pat Onate/Physician Assistant, Dr. Chris Max, Dr. Stephen Lauterbach, Peter Dellerba/NP, Dr. Fred Talarico and Pat Rosati/NP, Dr. Naeem Samad, Dr. Kathleen Ozavath and the Vascular Group at Albany Medical Center, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Charles T. Sitrin Rehabilitation Unit, Pam Fahy and the Celiac Support Group, the Visiting Nurse Association, and the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Visitation will be held on Monday (today) from 4:30-7:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Salvatore’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Felix Colosimo. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Salvatore "Steve" Fontaine

January 24, 1931 - June 30, 2012