Mr. Thomas R. "Tommy" Fontana

Mr. Thomas R. “Tommy” Fontana, age 81, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on February 4, 1930, Thomas was the son of the late Graziano “Roger” and Ninfa “Fannie” (Morice) Fontana. He was raised and educated locally attending St. Mary of Mount Carmel Grammar School, and the Utica Trade School where he concentrated his studies in the area of carpentry. On May 9, 1953 he wed the former Vincenzina “Anna” Oliva with whom he shared 57 years of marriage grounded in love, mutual respect and great patience. In his youth, Tommy worked alongside his father, Roger, as they operated a local trucking company, Fontana Trucking. Their specialty was produce and they were referred to as the “Potato Kings” by the produce distributors and grocers of the area. In the mid 1960’s Tommy, along with his partner, Sam Tocci, established “All Truck Stop” located in North Utica where they served the transportation industry for about ten years. Concurrently, he independently hauled produce for other local trucking firms, developing a special working and personal relationship with Ralph Humphreys of New Hartford. He was a member of The Teamsters Union of America. Tommy was a man whose wish was to “remain behind the wheel” but desired to spend more time with family. To that end he accepted a position with Central New York Coach Lines servicing the Syracuse-Utica-Herkimer area. He also took great pleasure in serving local seniors by busing them to grocery stores on a weekly basis. He retired in 2002 at the age of 72 as a driver for Birnie Bus Company. His hard work ethic and desire to remain active provided for a long and satisfying career. Thomas was a nurturing and guiding father, as well as a devoted son. He showed his love by being a good provider to his own family, while providing care and comfort to his parents in their later years. He took pleasure in the simple things in life, and his social life was his family, and his work. Never did he have a bad word to say about anyone. A natural artist of sorts, Tom enjoyed pencil sketching friends and family. A passionate walker, he had a daily routine which he maintained for over 30 years, taking walks from his South Utica home to New Hartford, or to the Hotel Utica for a cup of coffee, or to the Boilermaker after party on several occasions. He was a communicant of his home parish, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Tommy is survived by his wife, Anna; his son and daughter-in-law, Roger F. Fontana and Paula M. Cognetti-Fontana of Poland; and he always cherished the memory of his daughter, Mary Frances Fontana, who passed away on February 17, 2006. He will be remembered by his grandchildren, Andrew R. Fontana, and Meghan K. Fontana; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert R. and Gail Fontana of Clark Mills; his nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Debra and Fred De LaFleur, Robert J. Fontana, Michael (also his godson) and Gail Fontana; his great-nieces, great-nephews, including Alison and Daniel Fontana, cousins, and his cherished aunts, Deva Morice, Mary Gianotti, and Madeline Morice; as well as his sister-in-law, Josephine Pantaleo. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles Fontana; and his in-laws, Rose and John Gentile, Antoinette and Melville “Mel” Bowen, and Vito Pantaleo. The family would like to extend a special thank you to "The Good" Dr. Roger Breslow, Tommy’s primary care physician, whose professional care, uplifting manner and wonderful sense of humor brought Tom much comfort. Also a thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center ICU who took care of Tommy, as well as all of us these past couple of weeks. Lastly, the family would like to acknowledge the many friends and neighbors that provided support, companionship, and numerous acts of kindness over the years. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made in lieu of floral offerings to the House of the Good Shepherd for the benefit of the Wellness Program’s Fitness Trail; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Tommy’s Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Sister Elizabeth Giarrusso, CSJ, officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Thomas R. "Tommy" Fontana

February 4, 1930 - March 6, 2011