Veronica Amelio LaFontaine

Veronica Amelio LaFontaine, 87, of 1355 Richards Drive, Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully at home, under Hospice care, on May 27th, 2017, surrounded by loving family members.

 Calling hours will be held at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home in Watertown on Wednesday, May 31st at 632 State Street from 4pm to 7:30pm.

On Thursday June 1st, 12:15 pm, a prayer service will be held at the funeral home, followed by a 1:00 pm funeral Mass at Holy Family Church (where she was a communicant) officiated by Father Steven Murray and Deacon Edward R. Miller.  Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown Center.

Mrs. LaFontaine was born Veronica Mary Tufo, Jan 14, 1930 in Watertown, daughter of Samuel and Louisa Tufo. She attended Clayton Schools, where, being an exceptional student, she skipped a grade. She graduated from Watertown High school in 1946, and worked a short time at Olga Knitting Mills. On May 21, 1950, she married Edward F. Amelio at St. Anthony’s Church, officiated by Father Milia. They started Amelio’s Sewing Center in 1958, running the business together until Edward passed away June  30th, 1973, after a long battle with cancer. Veronica and her eldest son, Frank, continued running the business until she retired in 1998--with Frank continuing to this day.  In 1980 she married Alfred Y. (“Kermit”) LaFontaine at Holy Family Church, Monsignor McCarthy officiating.  Alfred passed away on July 29th, 2011.

 She is survived by four sons and two daughters in law: Frank and Jody Amelio, Patrick and Kim Amelio, Edward Amelio of Watertown, and Thomas Amelio of New York City. Also surviving are five stepchildren: Joanne Lafontaine, Clayton; Michele Mahon (husband Don) Watertown; Carmen Fuller (husband Bob), Watertown; Nanette Case (husband Brad), Pennsburg, PA,David LaFontaine, Baldwinsville; eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition, she is survived by one brother Sam Tufo (Wife Lois), Watertown; and two sisters: Dora Berkman, Alexandria Bay;  and Joanne Jones (husband Walt), Forsythe, GA; and two sisters-in-law: Carrol Tufo, and Jenny Tufo. She was predeceased by two sisters: Edith Seymour, and Mary Neuroth; and two brothers: Bernard (Benny) Tufo and Jerry Tufo. Veronica enjoyed cooking, landscape and china painting, sewing, crocheting, traveling, and being with family.

Donations in her name may be made to Holy Family Church.

Condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.

Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.