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James Fontana Obituary
Born in Milldale, Sept. 3, 1924, son of the late Victor and Irene Cavadini Fontana, Jim was a Meriden resident for many years. He became a pilot at age 18, before learning how to drive a car. He proudly served as a B-26 Marauder combat bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in the European Theater of Operations. After the war he stayed active in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and retired after 30 years of service as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was highly decorated and most recently was appointed as Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his sacrifices and heroism during the war.
While in the reserves, Jim was also employed at New Departure Company for 30 years where he retired as superintendent. He was a founding member of the Army Air Force Round Table and was a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church for over 60 years.
He is survived by his children, James V. Fontana Jr., and his wife, Christine, of Torrington, Susan Bieler and her husband, Randy, of Cheshire, Nancy Bracket and her husband the late Pete Bracket, of Prospect, and Barbara Cotton and her husband, Joe, of Unionville, Va.; his grandchildren, Elena Sileo and husband, Daren, Leanne Mailman and husband, Bryan, Eric Bieler, Kevin Bieler and wife, Mary, Peter Bracket, IV, James Bracket, and Jessica Racine; his great-grandchildren, Biende and Emma; his sister, Nancy Mocadlo and her husband, Ronnie, of Vernon; and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his twin sister, Florence Lorenzo.
His family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford, Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 a.m. directly at St. Rose Church, 35 Center St., Meriden. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Army Air Force Round Table, c/o Leslie Marinaro, 14 Winged Foot Court, Cheshire, CT 06410. For condolences, visit www.wallingfordfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Fontana
Biende Berroa
February 20, 2014
Even tho you weren't my Grandpa by blood, you were my grandpa by heart. They say blood is thicker then water but what does blood matter when others ain't loyal. So really loyalty is thicker then blood, and I respect you and look up to you. You were a great person you play so many rolls in this world. You made everyone feels welcome, alive, and comfortable. Sometimes it was hard to tell if you were a kid stuck in a senior body or an angel inside your body, because you were funny and your heart was just full of great spirit. God gave you many years on this world for a reason, so that you can teach people how to be like you, because in God's eyes you were to pure to behold evil. Even thought you might be gone everyone can still see your soul in your son Jim Fontana, he's following in your footsteps and I couldn't be anymore prouder to be part of this family.
Grampa and his 'sweet tooth' at Friendly's with Elena, Daren & Biende
Elena Fontana Sileo
February 18, 2014
Grampa, you are my hero. I will do my very best to continue living just as you did-- loving everyone you meet, treating everyone with kindness, taking pictures of EVERYTHING, always remembering veterans, always telling jokes, and eating a lot of ice cream!!! I love you, Grampa.
Leanne
February 18, 2014
My grampa was one of my favorite people in the world. I will never forget the way he said my name when I called him up on the phone or saw him in person. His tender voice saying "Leeeee-anne" excitedly always made up for the fact that he could never spell my name. Every Christmas card came with it a different letter combination that in some way made up "Leanne". But there always were Christmas cards, and birthday cards - even after my grandmother passed away. Grampa adapted and continued to do his best to live his life to the fullest. He had the curiosity of a child and never stopped learning and teaching. We all wanted to please him greatly and would think for weeks about what to get him for his birthdays or Christmas. Upon opening a gift, he would either say, "What am I gonna do with this?!", or would go up and play with his new toy immediately. At least we never had to wonder if he liked our gifts or not!
The grandkids were reminiscing about a hand-made gift we made for him when we were small. We each used fabric paint to put our handprint on a shirt for him. While making it, he walks in and says, "You kids think I'm going to wear that...ha!" This was my grampa and we loved him for it.
Recently, I was able to give my grandfather a great-granddaughter. For this, I will be forever thankful. He was there within a day of her birth, and witnessed her first bath in the hospital, snapping pictures like the paparazzi. Four days later, the day we took the baby home, I got a voicemail I still have on my phone. It is Grampa saying exactly, "Hey Leanne, I really didn't want to talk to you, I wanted to talk to Emma but I guess she's probably sleeping so I will talk to her later. Bye!" This was my grampa.
My husband remembered one of my grampa's jokes today so we wanted to share it here. It goes: "Two cannibals were eating a clown. One looked at the other and said, 'Does he taste funny to you?'".
We will forever love and miss LT. COL. Grampa JV Fontana.
Jim Jr.
February 18, 2014
One of my Dad's jokes.
"My doctor said I sould excercise by lifting five pound bags of potatoes. A week later he said lift ten pound bags. It was easy. Maybe next week I will leave the potatoes in the bags!
February 18, 2014
February 17, 2014
To the Fontana Family:
I knew Jim from being a member of the Round Table in Cheshire. He and I became very good friends as he was interested in the same type of military history I was. We had some very deep intellectual conversations. He was a hero and a gentleman. He is now, with my brother Russ Baril, walking with God and sleeping with the Angels. May they both rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Ken Baril
Paul Merola
February 17, 2014
Jim and family,
You all have my deepest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father,a truly great man. I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing him through you and the Army Airforce Roundtable membership. He once came to Silver City Flying Club dinner and presented his photos along with his personal history of them. He had a captivated audience that night and everyone left that night a little richer with the knowledge he imparted on them. I know he had a wide circle of friends who will miss him. He touched so many minds with his many visits to classrooms at variuos schools.
Keep in mind the good times you had and it will get you through these dificult times.
May he rest in peace
Presentation at Southington High School
Gail Doerfler
February 16, 2014
Jean & Jerry Benoit
February 16, 2014
To the Whole Fontana Family: What a wonderful man Jim was. We are so glad that we got to know him. Jerry especially so enjoyed their relationship together in the cardiac rehab class. They kept each other moving!! Memories of your loved ones keep you going during this difficult time. May you call upon all of them in the days ahead. God speed. Jerry and Jean Benoit
February 16, 2014
Susan and family, Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was a fascinating man. I know he will be missed. Share your stories, Memories heal. with our deepest sympathy and Love Janet and Duane Beale
February 16, 2014
Susan - More than ever, we keep you and Randy and the boys in our hearts. Our sincere condolences to all your family - what a wonderful man he was! Love, Sam
sher lofgren
February 16, 2014
Nancy, I know this will be difficult for you all. My prayers are with you and the boys. All other Family members also.
Laurie Lehnow
February 16, 2014
Sue: I did not know your father personally but I knew him through you. You told me many stories about your dad. I know he will be deeply missed by all of you but he will always be with you and everyone around you by the way you tell us about his long and well lived life. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Janet & Wayne Lawrence
February 15, 2014
Susan: It was a pleasure and an honor to have known your father. He was a great man and a hero to many whose lives he touched. Continue to celebrate his life with the wonderful memories you hold near and dear to your heart. Our most heartfelt condolences to you, Randy, Eric, Kevin, and Mary. God bless.
Mike, Nancy and Lauren Fauchon
February 15, 2014
We were deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Fontanas passing.
The many fond memories of him will never be forgotten. He was without doubt a gentleman who had the ability to hold ones interest when he spoke, especially when he would say " Did you hear the joke about......". He will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege of knowing him whether it was days or years.
A loved ones passing is never easy.
With our deepest condolences,
Lori Purcell
February 15, 2014
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. He was a remarkable man. He loved his children very much, this we spoke of often. He will be greatly missed.
February 15, 2014
Sue and Randy: We were so honored to have known your father,{Sue}, these past few years. He was very giving and enthusiastically helped our son with a WW11 research project. He will be missed by many. God Bless~ Marge and Bruce Bonessi~ Cheshire, Ct.
Dr. Keith Alderman
February 15, 2014
I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of so great and good a man as Jim Fontana.
Jim and I worked together at New Departure in Bristol. At the time we worked together, we were on the 2nd shift. We were both pilots, and were interested in photography. I always enjoyed seeing Jim and talking with him. Jim was the only person I could go to and receive accurate and correct information when I had a question about some technical aspect of the work we did at New Departure.
Jim was tall, handsome, bright, confident, intelligent, and yet was a humble man with a great sense of humor.
He never forgot his service in World War II. Jim was an outstanding pilot to be able to fly the B-26 "widowmaker" and to bring his ship and crew home safely after each mission. I can remember seeing his slides of photos he took during the war, and Jim explaining them to us. He was proud of his service, and we were proud of him.
He was a true American hero, a person to be admired and whose character was an example to us all.
It was Jim and those like him who made up the greatest generation. God bless you, Jim.
Jay Bishop
February 15, 2014
Jim, Susan, Nancy and Barbara, it was an honor to know your father and live next door for many years. He will me missed.
Joe Cotton
February 15, 2014
I have been married to Barb for 20 years, so I have known my father-in-law a few years longer than that. In this time, I have seen people who he has just met and people he has known a long time look up to him with admiration and respect. He would find interest in everything and strike a conversation up with anyone. In the time I have known him, I have enjoyed every minute we were together. He was much more than a father-in-law, he was like a father to me and a friend he also helped me become a better person.
If you ever had the chance to meet him, you would have heard a few jokes, then maybe he would have talked about how he use to pitch baseball in high school or tell you stories about being a WWII B-26 pilot. He may have even teased you for being a Ford guy because he was an engineer for GM. He was one of the most interesting guys I have ever met; I often told him he should write a book.
20 years was not long enough. I am going to miss him…
Sean Fregoso
February 14, 2014
Barbara and Joe. We are very sorry for your loss. We're here for you. God bless
Sharon OBrien
February 14, 2014
Susan, Randy, Nancy & family--Mr. Fontana was a part of my life for the past 45 years since Susan and I became best friends our freshman year of high school. He gave us rides everywhere, put up with our slumber parties, gave me my first ride in a plane, and so many other little things throughout the years. I was so proud to come home on my first leave in the Air Force and be able to salute him. Recently we were talking about the war and I told him how brave he was and he said it was not about bravery, our country had been attacked and we had to defend it. I saw him just a few weeks ago and greeted him as always Hi Mr. Fontana, with a big smile and wave. He was a great man who had a great impact on my life. You will be missed.
Marie Gryga MacCollom
February 14, 2014
To Barbara, Nancy, Susan and Jim,
My deepest condolences to you and your families. We have many good memories from the old neighborhood, and your dad was a pleasure to know. I hope your memories bring you comfort.
Richard & Bonnie Racine
February 14, 2014
To Barbara & Jessica & The Fontana Family were sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good guy everyone always spoke very highly of him I alway's enjoyed chatting with him and your mom at jessy birthday party's when you remember your dad i hope it makes you smile ! you are in our thoughts & prayers
Jack & Sandy Laviana
February 14, 2014
Sue, Randy & family. We are so sorry for your loss. He had a wonderful life. He is with your mom in heaven.. if there is anything I can do just call.
Daddy, I miss you
Barbara Cotton
February 14, 2014
Daddy was the biggest influence in my life. It is true that he was an amazing man that did so much in his lifetime. Everything he did, he did well. That includes being the best Father. He taught me so much about so many things. I admired him and worshiped the ground he walked on. I cherished every moment with him and was thankful for every story he told. I was so lucky to have spent so much time with him. He was a Dad that took care of everything starting with tying nuts and bolts on his little girls' balloon so it would not float away, to becoming a vital part of a grown girl and her family's life. My heart is forever broken and I will miss him every single day for the rest of my life.
Ray&Sue Beland
February 14, 2014
Our condolences to Barbara and her family in the passing of her Father.We knew Jim and he was a great person.
Billy Scott
February 14, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
B Hosmer
February 13, 2014
To the Fontana Family
I had the good fortune of meeting your dad/grandfather at SHS when he would come in to talk to our US History students that were enrolled in Gail D's classes. He was a wonderful speaker and the students listened attentively while he answered their questions. He always made time to talk to staff when not with students and to share his life experiences. My condolences to all of you during this time of sadness in your lives. May your memories of this great man bring you solace in the days ahead.
Karel Smart
February 13, 2014
Condolences to you and your family. God bless you all. My prayers are with you
Mark Bell
February 13, 2014
Remembering the many plane rides which when asked never refused the many sled rides down fontana hill the many snow ball fights in rival of my childhood neighbors and the lasting friendship with susan and Nancy which will always be cherished. All my prayes go out to the family Jimmy Susan Nancy and Barbara and may ur fathers trains and planes always remain in our dreams Mark Bell
February 13, 2014
we were not privilaged to know the senior Jim but we did know his son Jim and he reflects what a good man his father was ...so sorry for your loss but not really a loss you had many great years with him and he will be watching over you all forever Sincerly Dave and Mary Gauvin
Jim Jr.
February 13, 2014
He was my hero.
He was a hero to several generations, and to anyone who took the time to know him.
He attracted a lot of very great and interesting friends of all ages, all of whom he respected, and they respected him in return. I never met anyone who did not want to be in his company.
I am especially going to miss all the fun and quality time we spent together.
I learned a lot from this man. I am the person I am today because I listened to him. I will continue to listen to him. He was my Dad, and I am so fortunate to have had a relationship with him that allowed me to tell him all these things. Dad always knew how proud I was of him.
Keep flying,
Eric Bieler
February 13, 2014
R.I.P. to the greatest man I've ever known, my Grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel James V. Fontana; Chevalier. Piloted a B-26 Marauder in WWII, married my beautiful Grandmother, raised 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Graduated college in engineering after the war and had a very successful career in manufacturing ball bearings. Was invited to be one of the very few Americans to become Chevaliers to the French Legion of Honor (essentially "knighted" by France). Was still texting on his full keyboard phone, emailing his war buddies, traveling and touring, driving, hitting the gym 3 times a week, and talking in schools/clubs/and anyone else who would listen about the war until he was hospitalized Thursday. I owe so much of who I am to him, and I am so fortunate and proud to have had him as my grandfather. Eric Bieler, Proud Grandson
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