Nick Fontana

Nick Fontana, 87, of Vancouver, Washington, formerly of Mount Hope, passed away on April 22, 2008. Born July 29, 1920 at Herndon, WV, he was a son of the late Dominick and Marie Massara Fontana. Nick graduated from Mount Hope High School in 1941 where he was a star basketball player, playing center position, and was named All State Player in 1941. He served in the US Navy 1942-1945, as a machinist mate first class; he worked as a tool and die maker for Boeing. He was involved in church activities at St.John's Catholic Church, Vancouver, WA. Nick loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, also puttering around in his workshop. Nick is survived by his daughters, Lynda Staley of Vancouver, WA, Donna Fontana-Smith and husband, Alan of Klamath Falls, OR; son, James Fontana of Wasilla, AK; five grandchildren, Lee Ann, Eric, Jessica, Thomas and Dominick; eight great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sisters, Esther Chamberlain of Vancouver, WA, Carolyn Troitino of Mount Hope, Eleanor Fontana of Mount Hope, Anna Payne of Heartland of Beckley; brothers, James Fontana of Elizabethtown, PA, and Thomas Fontana of Mount Hope; and many nieces and nephews. Nick was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lillian Osterman Fontana; sisters, Mary Benedetto, Josephine Pishner, and Camilla Spadaro; brothers, Lee, Mike, Pat and Johnny Fontana. According to his wishes, Nick was cremated. A memorial service was held Thursday, May 15, 2008, with a rosary at 9:30 AM and the funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. John's Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th Street, Vancouver, WA. Donations in Nick's name may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, St. John's Chapter, 8701 NE 119th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662.