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