Father Andrew J. Fontanella

Father Fontanella was a foundation in our house, he baptized me, confirmed me, provided my first communion and married me. Every year, I loved sending him a card with the happenings in our family. He was always so kind in responding... I know he will continue to watch over my family and I. Rest in Peace and thank you for being such a strong role model for me growing up.

Father Andrew Fontanella was my pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra , and presided over my own father, Luigi Gaspari's funeral in 1972 at Holy Spirit. Father Fontanella was an excellent servant of God . I even caddied for him and his good friend Father Andrew Marinak once on the golf course.I was so glad to have known him. Our family also knew his mom , who would visit from New Jersey and speak Italian with my mom and dad. He was an excellent pastor, and, as Gene said above, got our...

Father Fontanella was a formidable and charismatic personailty with an indomitable spirit. His presence was omnipresent and influenced the expansion of St. Patricks for almost thirty years. I was proud to be his alter server. I will rememebr him like Churchill, always with a cigar in his mouth and exuding certitude.
-Eric Miller

I was very saddened to hear of Father Fontanella's passing. He was especially helpful to me and my family after my son passed away at 19 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Two of my other children were also critically injured at that time and Father and the whole parish were very supportive. I remember adopting a cat that was left at the Shrine Church because Father worried it would get hurt in the street and my son had no peace until it came home with us. I've been a member...

As a brand-new priest at St. Francis in Harrisburg, our Mom, invited Father over for spaghetti and meatballs. He came back many, many times!!! Perhaps because it was because we both had pretty big families, he enjoyed being around our home. We loved him! What fabulous lifetime memories!
Condolences to his remaining family and many friends, but we know where he is, in eternal joy! One day, we will meet again. Rest in peace!

Father Fontanella was greater then life and so was his heart. He presided over my husbands funeral service and burial in St Patrick Cemetery in 1996, even though Ron was not a catholic. My family and I will always love him for that. May he rest in peace.

Father Fontanella brought stability to our rather new parish Holy Spirit in Palmyra. He had a great memory that impressed so many non catholics in town because if he met you once, he always remembered your name. A man of great vision as witnessed by all his accomplishments. The diocese of Harrisburg has lost one of the greatest servants of God. One thing I shall always remember; before mass, he would sit at the side of the altar in silent prayer, my young son about 5, yelled at the top...

I am so sad to learn of Father Fontanella's passing. He was a very special part of my family's lives in Carlisle: a caring pastor, warm and wonderful friend to my parents, source of comfort during their untimely illnesses and deaths. Father married my husband and me in the Shrine Church and baptized two of our three children. He will always hold a special place in my heart. God speed and rest in the arms of our Savior, Father.