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BORN
1925
DIED
2013
William Fantone Obituary
He previously resided in Greenwich Village, Smithtown, Levittown, and Massapequa, NY, and Gaithersburg and Middletown, MD.
Born March 19, 1925 in East Long Branch, NJ, he was the son of William Francis Fantone Sr. and Adelina Montecelli Fantone. Bill was a graduate of St. Francis of Xavier High School and Manhattan College in New York, NY, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He subsequently received training in the US Navy Officers Corp. Bill was of the Roman Catholic faith, and was a leader in the successful efforts at Holy Family Catholic Community in Middletown, MD to raise funds for the building of their church. He married Geraldine Mary Farrell on January 3 1948, and raised a family of eight children with her.
Bill began his career in 1948 as a Sales Engineer for Westinghouse Electric in New York, NY then worked at Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, NY from 1950-1965, progressing from an entry level engineering role to management positions in the aerospace field.
Subsequently, he held several upper management roles at Fairchild Industries in Germantown, MD from 1965 through 1978. From 1976 to 2006, he operated High Hopes Farm in Middletown, MD, selling strawberries and Christmas trees to the public. During this period, he developed the subdivision known as High Hopes Plantation adjacent to the farm.
He was a well-rounded athlete, competing in basketball and football from his high school years, and he enjoyed other sports such as golf and tennis. He also was a loyal Washington Redskins and Washington Wizards fan. He was fond of a wide range of music, from Frank Sinatra to barbershop quartets and was quite a dancer.
Bill is survived by his wife, Geraldine Farrell Fantone of Frederick, MD; daughter, Maureen Lee (Herb) of Mount Airy, MD; son, Sean Fantone of Hagerstown, MD; daughter, Gerri Stoner (Dick) of Rockville, MD; daughter, Suzanne Kelly (Mark) of Frederick; daughter, Elizabeth Fantone of Hagerstown; son, Timothy Fantone (Diane) of Annapolis, MD; daughter, Katey Fantone of West Melbourne, FL; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His son, William F. Fantone, III, pre-deceased him in September, 2012. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Homewood and Hospice of Frederick County.
Services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Community in Middletown, MD on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 1 p.m. Contributions may be made in Bill's name to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Fantone
March 13, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. My mom, Dolly Pittleman use to sit with your dad at meal time. He was very entertaining and always looked out for the folks sitting with him. We had many lively discussions when I visited.
Very sorry for your loss... Janice Pittleman
March 12, 2013
Bill wasn't just a good client, he was a great friend...we spent more time together, both at the farm and at Homewood, talking sports, war stories, etc. and generally trying to solve all of life's problems...I think we were getting pretty close, but Bill just ran out of time. He would often say, "when I go to heaven..." well, now he's finally there, so how 'bout praying for us poor souls stuck down here until we meet again, will ya, my good friend? Steve McGoldrick
Velva Cooper
March 11, 2013
Hello everyone,
My mother, Ann Cooper and I would wish to extend our condolences in the loss of your father. Although many years have passed now, our families still share a special bond. My Aunt Clarice told me that Susan or Gerri may have seen me on Facebook. If so, please inbox me so we can exchange contact information. Meanwhile, we'll continue to lift you all in prayer-as you pray for us especially now in the recent passing of my father, John Cooper.
God bless you,
Velva Cooper
Alan Tobery
March 8, 2013
I used to work for Bill for many of years.He could be a hardheaded , stubborn man but thru it all i give him a lot of respect. We had a lot of good times and bad. The Irish Setters Sparky, Tippy and many puppies running out of the barn. The christmas trees, strawberries, and the rhubarb that he would give to my aunt and she would make him a pie and rhubarb sauce.I did alot for Bill but in reality he taught me alot. I will always remember you Bill and thank you for always being a good friend to me and my family.I though more of you then you would ever know.Till we meet again. Alan Tobery
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
March 8, 2013
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
March 8, 2013
Deepest condolences to the Fantone family. Bill was a great man, hard working, great sense of humor, gave so much of himself to help others, and exemplified a true Christian life. I miss seeing him around Middletown back in the day. His grandson Tim (TK) carries on his fine example. God bless and keep him. Brian & Mary Marshall and family, Jefferson, Md.
MD
March 6, 2013
To the Fantane family and friends, I truly express my deepest sympathy at this most difficult and painful time. Please find comfort in reading Revleation 21:4, a wonderful promise from God Almighty.
George and Dinah Sisson
March 6, 2013
What a great guy. Wonderful memories of hunting up our Christmas tree, swimming a few times in the pool, playing with those big dogs, seeing Benny Goodman Orchestra, some dinners out, and most of all our great parish. Rest in Peace our friend.
With Sympathy, the Sisson Family
March 6, 2013
To the Fantone Family:I would like to offer our deepest condolences on your loss and express our Hope and concerns at your time of grief. Respectfully Submitted. Robert,Earl Sparky&Jazzy from Baltimore.
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