Rene E. Fontaine

RENE E. FONTAINE Age 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Hemet, CA on November 13, 2011. He was surrounded by family who loved him deeply. He was one of nine children born to the late Margery and Alphonse Fontaine and was the beloved husband of Ethel Anderson of twenty-seven years. He was born and raised in Windsor, CT. He attended John Fitch High School, excelling in baseball and basketball. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a communications specialist. At the age of eighteen, he was promoted to sergeant volunteering for numerous critical missions. After his discharge, he was employed at ESCO Laboratories in West Hartford, Ct. In the late seventies, he relocated to Southern California becoming a partner in a regional surgical supply company. In his mid-fifties he changed careers becoming a decorated correctional officer for the State of California. Mr. Fontaine will be forever remembered by his daughters and sons-in-law Patrice and Bob Nealon of Raleigh, NC and Naples, FL; Michele and Joe Yearwood of Cincinnati, OH; Lisa and Craig Walsh of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Michael and Ashley Nealon of NY, NY; Reid Yearwood of Cincinnati, OH, Christopher, Elizabeth, Jonathan and Katie Walsh of Louisville, KY; Clay Yearwood of Santa Monica, CA and RJ Nealon of Raleigh, NC. He is further survived by sisters Margaret Lindsay of Lebanan, OR; Ann Larivee and Ruth Digati of Hemet, CA, brother Robert Fontaine of Upland, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. Besides his parents, Mr. Fontaine was preceded in death by his son, Michael; wife, Ethel, brothers, Donald, Gene, and John, and sister, Joan Griffin. Mr. Fontaine loved baseball, movies, history and debating politics. He had a trademark sense of humor and was generous to numerous charities. At Mr. Fontaine's request a private memorial will be held with his extended family. Condolences can be sent to www.hemetvalleymortuary.com. Memorial donations may be be sent to the wonderful people who gave him great care at Ramona VNA Hospice, 890 W. Stetson Ave. Hemet, CA 92543.