Donald Francis Fontes

1947 - 2025

Donald Francis Fontes

October 9, 1947 - February 8, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina - Donald Francis Fontes, 77, passed away on February 8, 2025, at Sunrise at North Hills after a brief illness and hospital stay. Born on October 9, 1947, in Washington, D.C., to Nan Wilson Fontes and Albert Fontes, Don pursued his education with dedication, earning his bachelor's degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and later obtaining an MBA in finance from American University in Washington, D.C.

With a career spanning 44 years in investment management, Don was a respected professional in his field and a longtime member of the Investment Management Consultants Association. He began his career as a financial analyst with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System before joining North Carolina National Bank (now Bank of America) as a Vice President in its Investment Management Group. In 1975, he co-founded First North Carolina Corporation, an investment advisory firm. Over the years, he built a distinguished career with EF Hutton, PaineWebber, and Morgan Keegan, where he served as a Managing Director. His expertise in investment strategy and portfolio management allowed him to serve high-net-worth individuals, foundations and endowments, corporate employee benefit plans, and other specialized asset pools requiring customized allocation structures. He retired in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of financial stewardship and professionalism.

Beyond his career, Don embraced life with enthusiasm. A lifelong sports fan, he was an avid supporter of the Washington Redskins and had a deep love for baseball. He found joy in fishing and being on the water, and in his later years, he took great pleasure in pheasant hunting with friends on his many hunting trips. A profound reader, Don especially loved historical fiction, and he and his beloved wife shared a passion for travel, exploring new places together. A music lover extraordinaire, his knowledge of music trivia was Jeopardy! -worthy, and he could recall details that amazed friends and family. Those who knew him best will always remember his legendary sense of humor, which could light up any room and bring laughter to those around him.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Dee Ann Elizabeth Fontes; his sons with Susan Kelly Fontes, Randall Wilson Fontes (McCamey) and Kelly Saunders Fontes; and his stepson, Darron Keith Forbus. He was a proud grandfather to Maya Ann Forbus, Kira Celeste Forbus, Gabriel Keith Forbus, Nadia Luna Fontes, Julia Caufield Fontes, and Catherine Neal Fontes.

Don was predeceased by his mother, Nan Wilson Fontes; his father, Albert Fontes; and his first wife, Susan Kelly Fontes.

A private Celebration of Life in Don's honor has been scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, https://www.foundationforpn.org/

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.