Obituary of Dennis Fontana

Dennis Fontana, 2 days shy of his 78th birthday, peacefully passed away at home of natural causes the morning of December 28, 2020. He was the oldest son of Salvatore Fontana and Madeline (nee Rodriguez), lovingly raised by Madeline and Dennis’ stepfather Robert Herring; Dennis was the devoted husband of Susan Fontana (nee Roth); he was the loving father of Donna Klein and her husband Kevin, and Christopher M. Fontana and wife Lacy. Dennis loved and considered Donna’s best friend, Sharon Cutler (nee Usdan), as his ‘other daughter.’ Dennis was the brother of Ron Fontana and wife Elsa, Robert Herring and wife Karen, and Brian Herring and late partner Mary. Dennis has had many furry and feathered grandchildren. Dennis was born and raised in 1942 in the Bronx, New York, graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1960 and immediately enlisting in the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of Private First Class, having received a Good Conduct Medal. He operated as a Field Communications Crewman, was recognized as an Expert with the AR-14 Rifle, and was stationed in Germany. For the whole of his life he was deeply patriotic. He married the woman he considered to be “the best thing that’s ever happened to him,” Susan, in 1965 in the Bronx, a relationship that began during and continued through his enlistment. They’d celebrated 55 years married in 2020, and they loved their children deeply. They moved from the Bronx to Yonkers, subsequently to Staten Island where they met Danny and Vera Urgo, friends close enough to be called family. Dennis provided for his family, working as an Insurance Adjuster based in Manhattan until his early retirement to be with his wife, his sports, and his couch. As mentioned, he was an avid sports fan, cheering on the New York Rangers, the New York Yankees, and the now Las Vegas Raiders. He especially loved rock and roll, singing off key and dancing in his ‘old man’ style, never abashed by or apologetic for his performances. He instilled a love of comedy and of science fiction in his children. Dennis loved to read, and continued to do so out loud with his deep disc jockey voice for Susan when her sight faded, even as his sight too started to fade. He was a ‘social butterfly’ and loved to entertain, for years hosting Super Bowl parties with Susan for their children and friends, and he loved to take photos and be photographed. Dennis was gruff, brusque, curmudgeonly, and loud, and had the biggest heart ever. If you could move past the bark, you had a loyal friend for life. The more he loved you, the more likely you would be a victim of his practical jokes as well as his kindness. He will be deeply, deeply missed by all. Wake will be held at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Blvd, on Tuesday, 1/5/2021 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, thereafter departing for Laurelwood Cemetery, 901 Bryant St., Stroudsburg, PA for burial. Due to Covid-19, masks are absolutely required at the funeral home and cemetery, and social distancing observed. Please note that as capacity is limited, there may be a short wait at the wake.