Harry Fontanella's Obituary
Harry Fontanella, 97, died August 2, 2011 at his home. He was born April 20, 1914. Christened Enrico (“Rico”, to family and many close friends), his parents were Pietro Fontanella (died 1926) and Maria Zampoli (died 1935), who had come to the United States in 1902 or 1903. Harry leaves a daughter, Diane and her husband Larry Osborne of New Rochelle, NY; and a son, Lee Fontanella of New London, CT. His other living relatives are: grandson, Aaron Osborne and wife Colleen Cochran of Altadena, CA; granddaughter, Camille Fontanella and husband Graham Stevens of Hartford, CT; sister-in-law, Lydia (Harper) Gnutti of Greenwood, SC; nieces, Dolores (Tiziani) Campo of Hazardville, CT, Jane (Gnutti) Gregonis of Tolland, CT, and Celeste Gnutti of Bronx, NY; nephews, Ron Tonidandel of Sarasota, FL, Umberto Vergine of Nuvolera, Brescia, and Alan N. Gnutti of Dallas, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Declan and Anouk Osborne of Altadena, CA. Harry was predeceased by Ida (died March 6, 2008) his wife of 71 years, whom he married on September 23, 1936. The youngest of seven siblings, he was preceded in death by all. In order of age: Victor Fontanella, Angeline Tiziani (later Ramsey), Hilda Pagogna, Alex (“Bally”) Fontanella, Florence Calchera, Anna Tonidandel. He attended local schools until his father’s death and lived all his life here. He was employed, beginning at age fourteen (at $10.75/wk.), for 13 years by Rhode Island Worsted, then for 2 years by Riverside Woolen, when he began part-time employment with the Post Office. Here he was “full-time sub” for 5 years, working also at Marty’s Hardware. From 1948-1975, he worked full-time at the Post Office. He had, since 1955, been a passionate golfer, and several clubs in the region could attest to his expertise in the sport over a half-century. Funeral services with burial in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT, will be held privately. Per Harry’s request, memorial contributions may be made to the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of Stafford, c/o Rose Roszczewski, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT 06076. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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