Fred Fontana

Fred was born May 19, 1931, in Tacoma, Washington and passed away suddenly April 17, 2015. He attended Franklin Grade School, graduated from Stadium High School, and attended the College of Puget Sound (UPS) where he met his wife Joni. They were happily married 50 years prior to her passing in 2004. His warm welcoming personality drew in those who knew him closer every time they saw him and for those who just met him he left a lasting impression in their hearts. Fred and Joni’s married life started in Aberdeen, Washington where Fred was stationed in the coast guard, and where they welcomed their first son (Steve). From Aberdeen they moved to University Place where Fred and Joni spent the remainder of their lives together, welcomed four more children; Stacia (Jimmy) Mincy, Chris (Cindy), John (Beth), and Becky (Terry) Griffin. One of Fred’s family’s most cherished memories is his numerous nicknames he gave, such as Tinny, Dudsie Anne, Mooney, Peanuts, Jones, Chewie, Beans, Tutti, Ms P, Peaches, Tutti 2, Ms Mollie, and Em. He never let you leave without giving him a kiss right here (where he pointed to his cheek pushing it out with his tongue). He also enjoyed spending time together as a family and entertaining friends in their yard which was one of Fred’s favorite places to share. Fred and Joni had great relationships with their neighbors. They were more than just neighbors, they were extended family members right next door or down the street. His love for his family was untouchable. Fred and Joni’s love for the sun started their tradition in the late 60's of 30 plus vacations in Hawaii, beginning as just week-long trips, later lasting up to a month at a time. They not only shared their love of Hawaii with their friends but also with their children and grandchildren. Fred, his mother (Irene), and sister (Elvera) started their family business, The Wedding Bell. Fred’s father owned Fred’s Barber Shop next door and his brother Roy worked across the street as a mechanic at the Big Six Garage. Following The Wedding Bell, Fred went to work and retired from US West where he enjoyed the remainder of his work career as a dedicated and friendly employee. Fred was one of the founding members of St. Charles Borromeo Church, where all of his children attended school. St. Charles was one of his favorite places especially when all of his children, grandchildren even great grandchildren attended mass with him. In his free time Fred enjoyed his Monday “lawn Jobs” where he mowed about 8 lawns with his son once again sharing his love for the outdoors and sharing his warm heart to those around him. He loved socializing with friends at the Exercise Science Center and numerous visits with neighbors and friends over coffee and cookies. His love for French bread earned him the nick name “French bread Freddie” at all family dinners. Fred left behind 11 grandchildren; Steve Jr, Jeff, Janell, David, Jessie, Piper, Jill, Matt, Mollie, Kate,and Emily, 8 great grandchildren; Jacob, Nathan, Isabelle, Lydia, Kylie, Owen, Braydan, and Gabe and one expected in late August, 2015. He will forever be known to them as “Pop” and the love of “lady rides” will always be shared to great grandchildren to come. “When you lose someone you love you gain an angel you know,” Fred is preceded in death by all our angels including; his father Fred Sr., his mother Irene, brother Roy, sister Elvera, and most of all his, loving wife Joni.