Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Umberto Briceño Obituary
Nashville, TN
He loved his family, friends and food, especially in combination. Born in Caracas, Venezuela April 26, 1938, died in Nashville March 6, 2017 at age 78.
He attended San Ignacio in Caracas, graduated from The Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey. Earned a BA from Yale and an MBA from Harvard University.
His early career was in marketing in Caracas and New York and later in finance in Caracas and Nashville. He initiated and financed new programs and assisted clients with "significant non-recurring events".
Food was the focus of many conversations. Blessed with gustatory memory, he could recall the details of a meal decades later. He loved cooking with and for family and friends, especially savoring the sobre mesa - those rich after dinner conversations about every topic imaginable.
He was enthusiastic, sophisticated, and charming, He was curious about the history of many things and the world around him. He had a keen sense of humor, especially about himself and an expanded sense of family. He treasured his friends and engaged with strangers.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Crook, his children Umberto (Oscar) Jose Fontana (Lyn) Nashville, Tracy Fontana Dineen (Bill) Fairfield CT, Pam Fontana Sconzo (Jack), Greenwich CT, Sarah Fontana (Aracelis Kearny) Denver CO. and Rob Howell (Katie) Greenville, SC. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren. Umberto (Trace) Jose Fontana, Eric Fontana, Daniel Dineen, Stephanie Dineen, Rafael Sconzo, Greer Sconzo, Quint Sconzo, Mills Howell, Robert Howell and Tee Howell. His siblings Leopoldo Fontana (Raphael Mendez), Antonieta Gonzalez, both of Caracas and Sylvia Ossott (Johann) Vienna, Virginia and his dear cousin and partner Ludovico Fontana (Flor) Caracas. Sisters -in-law Nancy Crook Ward, Birmingham, AL and Cynthia Crook, Nashville.
There will be a Celebration of his life Sunday April 2, at 1:30 pm at Wightman Chapel at Scarritt Bennett. Visitation with the family 11-1 pm.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made in his name to The Peddie School, Vanderbilt Medical Center Palliative Care Center or to Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York City.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Umberto Briceño
Sponsored by The Tennessean.
Lynn Walker
April 2, 2017
Elizabeth,
I am so sorry to hear of Umberto's passing. My "gustatory memory" does not approach that of Umberto, but I will never forget the risotto dinner that he made for the three of us at my home shortly after my husband's death. Umberto was charming, generous, and empathic. The two of you made a great team. My thoughts are with you. Lynn
Maritza Tchorzewski
March 22, 2017
Querida Liz,My.husband and I are deeply saddened by the news of Umberto deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I truly appreciate your telephone call. Warmly, Maritza
Margaret Howell
March 13, 2017
What a vivacious, big-hearted soul!
Mills Howell
March 11, 2017
I love you so so so mich Grandpapa! I will really miss you. Even though you are not going to be with us, you will always be in our hearts. Just the other day, after visiting you in the hospital I was making a salad (I was at your house) and I attempted to cut carrots with a spoon. After that, I had a little debate with you in my head. Ev though you werent gone yet, I was amazed at how real it felt. I love you with all my heart forever! Love, Millsy May P.S. Mama told me that she also had a little talk with you in the kitchen. I remember the first night that I saw you in the hospital. You opened your eyes slightly and looked straight at the boys, Mama, Papa, and me. Love you!!! <3 Bye!
Kawi Kambhu
March 11, 2017
Sorry to receive the news of your passing, Umberto. You are always the one who reminds me every time I go to a soccer game. We were on soccer teams together at Peddie starting from sophomore year til we graduated in '56. You were very quick and fast so you always played in the front line to score goals. I was a bit slower so I played fullback to protect the goal. It was just great. You rest in peace, my friend. May Please God bless your family.
Carla Beach
March 11, 2017
Elizabeth,
I was sorry to hear about Umberto's passing. He has been such a large presence in my life and in the lives of the Beach boys. We will miss him and remember fondly his laughter, his handshakes, his opinions (?) and mostly how happy you two were.
Please stop in Asheville for lunch some day soon!
Blessings, Carla
Linda Desvernine
March 11, 2017
Elizabeth, Gene and I extend our heartfelt condolences to you. We share some very special memories of our days in Caracas with you and your family. Love and hugs to you, Linda Desvernine
Diane Wilde
March 9, 2017
Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved husband and friend. I will be thinking of you.
Larry Frank
March 9, 2017
Umberto was a very good friend of mine but we lost contact when he left Venezuela. I have very fond memories of the good times we had with him and Liz. His intelligence and.finely tuned sense of humor were always a delight to share with our friends.My sincerest condolences go out to his family and especially Liz, who I know was.the light of his life, especially in the second phase of their life together.Larry Frank
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Umberto Briceño's name
Memorial Events
for Umberto Briceño
How to support Umberto's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Umberto Briceño's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
