POMPANO BEACH, FL

George E. Fontaine, Sr., formerly of Holyoke, MA and Watch Hill, RI, passed away quietly at home on October 31, 2017. He was the son of Alias and Aurora Fontaine, and was born in and attended Chicopee schools. A veteran of Work War II, he served in the Pacific Theatre in Okinawa and was Honorably Discharged as a Technical Sergeant. At the behest of his father and godfather, George O. Fontaine, Sr., he established the George E. Fontaine Painting and Contracting Co. (as they complained there were already too many building contractors), in 1946 and served as its President until his retirement in 1979. George was a life member of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks and Westerly Yacht Club, and previously the Springfield, Wyckoff Park, and Crystal Lakes Country Clubs. He was predeceased by his beloved son George E. Jr, his wife of 56 years, Fern (Fleury) Fontaine, and sisters Lorraine Bail and Violet Leboeuf. He is survived by his wife Denyse, his daughter Suzette Fontaine Collins and her husband Robert B. Collins, Sr. of Westfield; grandchildren Robert B. Collins, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Westfield, Amanda Fontaine Collins and partner Ray Lamore of Swanton, VT; great-grandchildren Carly, Ashley, Robert, Jacob, and Joel; two great-great grandchildren Riley and Bentley; three godchildren, Suzanne Rodrigue Herzog, Denise Bail Rodham, and Matthew Fontaine; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends and admirers. He will always be remembered for the twinkle in his eyes and dry wit. Burial will be private. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.