Frederick W. Fontneau, 88; World War II Veteran, Stamford School Teacher and Principal

From Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home.

Frederick W. Fontneau of Stamford, formerly of West Haven, passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2015, at the age of 88.

Fred was the son of Margaret Donovan and Pierre Fontneau, and loving husband of Joan Convery Fontneau.

Fred proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Maritime as a radio operator and later in the United States Marine Corps. He was a graduate of New Haven State Teachers College where he met the love of his life, Joan. He received his master’s degree and sixth year in administration from Fairfield University. Fred enjoyed a rewarding career as a teacher and principal in the Stamford Public School system for more than 30 years.

Fred is survived by his loving family of four children and 14 grandchildren — Lisa Whelan and her husband Bill of Daytona Beach, Florida, and their children Amy, Bill, Emily and Timmy, Abigail and Noah; Jon Fontneau and his wife Heidi of Monroe and their children Michael Fontneau and Kelly Flynn; Cary Roth and her husband Rich of Rogers, Arkansas and their children Forrest and Bryce; and Brian Fontneau and his wife Karen of Monroe and their children Kelsey, Kyle and Lindsey.
He is also survived by a brother, Paul Fontneau of Hamden, sisters in law Betty Farenga of Fairfield, and Mary Convery of Milford, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joan Convery Fontneau and by his granddaughter, Katie Fontneau of Monroe, and brothers Peter and David Fontneau.

Fred was an early riser, who could often be found at Cove Island Park and the Darien YMCA. He was an avid high school sports enthusiast, and loved the New York Giants and the UCONN Huskies. His warm outgoing personality, and positive outlook toward life, will be missed by all that knew him. Fred will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many.

A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m., at St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. No calling hours will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship in Fred’s memory to The Stamford Public School System, c/o Tom Gallagher at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com.