Richard Anthony Fontana, of Pine Bush, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Garnet Health Medical Center. He was 77.
Richard was born on June 20, 1946 in Queens, NY. As a child, Richard grew up in Woodhaven, NY, but spent his summers at his family’s boarding home in Bullville, affectionately called “the farm”. After graduating from Newtown High School, he served in the United States Army stationed at Fort Monroe, VA. While on leave from the Army, he met a girl who would soon become his wife and they eventually established their home in Bullville, NY, right down the road from the farm. He took a position as a printer for Orange and Rockland Utilities, where he later became a line foreman.
Over the 37 years that he worked there, he loved every minute of his job and his fellow workers. It was his home away from home where some of his greatest friendships came from. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, where he could often be seen watching them play their sports. He took pride in being one of the people that started the Pine Bush Youth Football league, not only coaching his own son in it but watching the league continue till this day as his grandsons have played in it as well.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, being loved by so many.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Darleen; his daughter, Michelle Killenberger and her husband, Edward, and son, Michael Fontana; his adored grandchildren, Kyle, Kaeli, Troy, Ava, Trevor, and Lexi; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Mary Fontana, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anna (Grosso) Fontana.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, from 4-7 p.m. at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, Inc., 1525 Burlingham Rd., Pine Bush. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Pine Bush Youth Football League or Pine Bush Little League.