Robert Ralph Fontana

Robert Ralph Fontana, known among us as “Bob” completed his life journey by passing September 19, 2017, at the age of 85, in his home, in the presence of his loving wife “Rose”. Bob was diagnosed with terminal cancer the same month and his prayers were answered by sparing him of a lingering illness. He was surrounded with much love by family and friends just prior to his passing. Bobs life journey began January 18, 1932, when he was born to Frank and Catherine Fontana (both immigrants of Italy) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of six siblings and was baptized March 2, 1932 at Epiphany Catholic Church in Pittsburgh. His confirmation in the church followed May 12, 1943. Bob grew up as a spirited young man full of restless adventure which led him to enlist (under age) in the Army Air Corp, and later re-enlist in the Army. Often his delight was stories of his presence in the early occupation of Japan and Korea. Bob remained a patriot throughout his life steadfast in his convictions of God and country. Despite his youthful indifference to education, Bob became a success story by working his way through college to advanced Master degrees and various achievements to become a teacher and school administrator, ultimately, after a rewarding and successful carrier, retiring after twenty years of service. Afterwards, for a short period from 1990-92, he became principal of Saint Paul Parochial School, Saint Paul, Oregon, where he met his beloved wife Rose. Bob’s faith in our Lord and his hope for eternal life was displayed by his faithfulness to his church and often would speak of his prayers for family and use of the rosary. Believing in consequences for religious disobedience, he often spoke of his belief in the miracle of Fatima. Though gruff at times, his resolve to help others in need was enduring, and those who knew him could depend on him. His adventurous and somewhat pioneer spirit from days gone by led him into many interests and hobbies of which those known were motorhomes, boating, cars, coins and even tinkering with an airplane, of which is not lacking in story by itself. As an honorary survivalist, he was often found with one gadget or another in his desire for self-sufficiency. He had a heart for various charitable organizations, believing in their importance, he donated to many. Being the last of six siblings, Bob, is survived by his wife Rose Marie, of which her lineage is her son Steve Hiller, daughter Susan Coleman, and son Mike Hiller, to which grandchildren are Allyson Hiller, Joe Hiller, Mike Hiller, Lola Hiller, Cyrus Coleman and Rita Coleman. Of which Bob’s lineage is his son Greg Fontana, daughter Kathy Harger, daughter Debbie Leysath, and son Robbie Fontana, to which grandchildren are Andrea Harger, Kristi Harger, and Robbie Harger. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. In Loving Memory Robert Ralph Fontana BORN January 18, 1932 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania DIED September 19, 2017 Aurora, Oregon ROSARY Wednesday - September 27, 2017 - 9:00 am SIMON-CORNWELL COLONIAL CHAPEL - Woodburn, Oregon Led by: Mr. Robert Wendling and Mrs. Charlene Lang FUNERAL MASS Wednesday - September 27, 2017 - 11:00 am ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH - St. Paul, Oregon Officiating: Monsignor Greg Moys Music by: Maxine Brassel and Andria Young Entrance: #430 Be Not Afraid Offertory: #431 Amazing Grace Communion: #364 I Am the Bread of Life Recessional: #594 Christ, Be Our Light CASKET BEARERS Tim Franz, Rob Harger, Joe Hiller, Greg Markham Dereck Waite, Greg Wendling READER Philip Coleman OFFETORY GIFTS Rita Coleman, Andrea Harger, Kristie Harger, Allyson Hiller, Lola Hiller EUCHARISTIC MINISITERS Carol Brentano, Jim & Nadine Mullen ALTAR SERVERS Cyrus Coleman, Logan Connor, Mike Hiller CONCLUDING INTERMENT SERVICE ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CEMETERY - St. Paul, Oregon SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON ST. PAUL FIRE HALL - St. Paul Oregon PRAY THE ROSARY HAIL, MARY, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Rosary – Wednesday, September 27, 2017 – 9:00 am Simon-Cornwell Colonial Chapel (390 N. 2nd Street, Woodburn, OR 97071) (Private viewing available from 8:00-9:00 am) Joyful Mysteries led by Mr. Robert Wendling and Mrs. Charlene Lang Funeral Mass – Wednesday, September 27, 2017 – 11:00 am St. Paul Catholic Church (20217 Christie Street, St. Paul, OR 97137) (Family arrives at 10:30 am, children and grandchildren will go in with processional (Alter Servers, Reader, Monsignor, Casket, Casket Bearers, Family), and sit in front pews both sides.) Officiating: Monsignor Greg Moys Cross Bearer: Michael Hiller Altar Servers: Cy Coleman and Logan Connor Music: Maxine Brassel and Andria Young Casket Bearers: Tim Franz, Rob Harger, Joe Hiller, Greg Markham Dereck Waite, Greg Wendling Entrance Song: #430 Be Not Afraid Reader: Philip Coleman Offertory Song: #431 Amazing Grace Offertory: Rita Coleman, Andrea Harger, Kristie Harger, Allyson Hiller, Lola Hiller Communion Song: #364 I Am the Bread of Life Eucharistic Ministers: Carol Brentano, Jim & Nadine Mullen Recessional Song: #594 Christ, Be Our Light Recessional Procession: Alter Servers, Reader, Monsignor, Casket, Casket Bearers, Family Spaghetti Luncheon – Wednesday, September 27, 2017 St. Paul Fire Hall (4233 Church Avenue, St. Paul, OR 97137 Set-up on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 – 7:00 pm

Tributes

Robert Ralph Fontana

January 18, 1932 - September 19, 2017