David George "Dave" Fontanella

2/22/1938 - 6/23/2025

Hopewell Junction, N.Y. - David George Fontanella, a 40-year resident of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and formerly of Old Mystic, passed away at home Monday, June 23, 2025. He was 87. Son of the late Lino and Rachel (Carocari) Fontanella, he was born in New London, Feb. 22, 1938.

In 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a radar specialist. He was honorably discharged as staff sergeant. David earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Hartford.

He dedicated his career to his greatest passion, which was aviation. As a pilot, he began flying seaplanes at a young age. He later accepted a position with the State of New York and was tasked with flying the Governor throughout the region. David went on to work as a corporate pilot for UST Corporation in Greenwich, retiring in 2007.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, trap and skeet. A longtime member of the East Hook Sportsmen Association in Fishkill, he dedicated countless hours to the organization's campus landscape. David had a keen interest in the utilization of tractors, specifically related to land preservation. He was also a lifelong UConn Huskies fan.

On Nov. 21, 1975, he married Eileen M. Farrell at the First Reformed Church of Fishkill. Eileen survives at home in Hopewell Junction. Additional survivors include his sister, Joanne Fontanella; his siblings-in-law: Barbara Fontanella, James Farrell (Sharon), Nora Moulton (Craig) and Julie Farrell; his nieces and nephews: Jonathan Fontanella, Lino Fontantella, Shannon Gruelich (Joe), James Farrell (Nicole), Michael Farrell (Tatiana), Brian Farrell (Meghan) and Julianna Zeigler (Ron); his great-nieces and great-nephews: Kelsey, Douglas, Andrea, Victoria, Camila, Braeden and Evaleigh; in addition to many other loving relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, David was also predeceased by his brother, Everett Fontanella. Dave had a wonderful sense of humor and was deeply loved by family and friends.

Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, N.Y. A memorial prayer service will follow at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 (www.t2t.org). For online tributes, visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.