Antonio E. (Bud) Lontine

1934 - 2023

With a heavy heart, Bud's family would like to let the community know of his passing. Bud passed away at the age of 89 years old at North Country Hospital, with his family by his side. We know his beloved son Alan was there welcoming him into the pearly gates of Heaven with a big hug; he longed for the day that he would be reunited with Alan.
Bud was born on July 8, 1934, to Alexander Lantagne and Florence (Marandola) Lantagne in Newport, VT, both of whom predeceased him. Bud was also predeceased by his siblings: Melvin, Roland, Donald, David, Francis, and Isabel. He was also predeceased by his grandson Brandon Jacobs.
Bud enlisted in the army at only 17 years old. Bud proudly served in the 25th Infantry Division in the Korean War, providing security for the transportation network, and cleared out enemy troops bypassed in the rapid advance. They assembled along the 38th parallel, and the 25th continued the campaign against bypassed enemy elements. He was never shy to tell you he was in the service; however, you would not hear a bad story from him about anything that happened there other than fun; those days were not to be discussed. He was stationed many places while in the service, his favorite being Hawaii.
Bud leaves behind his wife Janice Jacobs, sharing 58 years together. Bud was so very proud of his children. He leaves behind his daughter Sarah Wright and partner Brock Colombia. He also leaves behind his son Aaron Lontine. Peepa was proudest of all of his grandchildren: Ashley Jacobs, David Wright and partner Erica Wheeler, Kaitlin Wright, Anthony Wright and partner Keyle Doering, Abigail Jacobs, Chelsea Lynn Glodgett, and Landyn Lontine. Peepa was proud of his great-grandchildren, who brought so much joy to him: Maverick, Jace, Dawson, Easton, Luther, and Lana and more to come. Bud is also survived by sons Rocky and wife Gail Lontine and Joe Lontine, as well as grandchildren Amber and Andrea Lontine. Bud also leaves behind his brother Lawrence and sister Anne, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives too many to list.
Bud had a few jobs when he settled back home in Newport. He took on any task that anyone gave him and mastered it, with pride and dignity. He was a very hard worker. He ended his working days employed by the City of Newport and loved working with "The Boys." He had a nickname and a story for everyone that he worked with and could always make you laugh.
Bud liked to hang out and "shoot the bull" at the American Legion Post 21, VFW post 798, and the fraternal order of the Eagles Aerie #4329. He was never ashamed to tell stories of his drinking years at his favorite clubs; in fact he was very proud of his time there. He wasn't one to brag but was very proud of when he gave up drinking eight years ago. He was determined and could do anything he set his mind to; he was a man of his word. He had a certain time that he would visit and a certain place he would sit. Anyone who knew him well, knew this about him. Bud would "shoot the bull," telling story after story; it was always something funny, never anything negative or of ill will. He was a very social man and would not hesitate to strike up a conversation with anyone and tell them who he knew that they knew and how. The stories that were told over the years and the memories that were shared in these places with his friends are priceless. Bud has outlived many friends. There are two men that are friends for life, as he called him, David Campbell and Charlie Norton. These guys have a lot of memories and stories that only the three of them will ever know – the truest of friends who stood by him until his passing day.
Bud would take a stroll through Newport; you probably would see him driving around. He loved to listen to Willie Nelson – no matter where he was going, and see what everyone was doing. He would drive to Martha's to "shoot the bull and check in with the girls." If he was not at Martha's, Kathy would call to check on him or Dave would ask Kathy: where is Bud? After two hours or so he would drive up to Derby and stop at M&A and say hello, and on his way home, stop at Pick and Shovel, in the summer, and "not get an ice cream;" usually he had one.
To most he is Bud, Tony, Budy, or Budweiser; or Mr Lontine. Whatever you called him he had a reason for it. Rest assured it would not be a bad name. To his family he will always be Dad and Peepa. He was the rock of the family, the quiet and always calm one. He could solve any problem, issue, or dilemma, and if you just needed to figure it out, call Dad or Peepa; he knew. If you needed to fix something that was broken; he knew. If you needed to get somewhere, ask Dad or Peepa; he could tell you how to get there from memory. He would check in to make sure all the grandchildren were safe, asking where they were when the roads were bad. Peepa was always concerned about his grandchildren. Peepa had nicknames for his grandchildren; he did not use their actual names.
He was so proud of them all and will be watching over them and their families. Dad/Peepa will be missed; we will always have our memories, forever in our hearts, and he will be with us. Dad/ Peepa has left us a legacy, instilling in us strength and to grow our beautiful families with great men and women.
A funeral will be held later at the discretion of the family.