THOMAS P. FONTAINE
VIRGINIA BEACH
Thomas Peter Fontaine, 66, passed away suddenly on November 12, 2008 in Toronto, Canada, while on a business trip. Tom was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on February 18, 1942.
As an accomplished IT consultant Tom started his business career and honed his skills in the corporate environment for many years performing assignments throughout the United States as well as in England, Germany and other European countries. He ventured out in 1994 and started his own company, Maverick Consulting Group. In 2000 he wanted to scale back to spend more time with his family and became an independent computer consultant, sought after by a variety of corporations here and abroad.
Tom had a genuine love of life and a broad spectrum of interests. He traveled extensively with his family and enjoyed reading. An avid sports fan, golf was one of Tom’s many passions. Tom was well known as an innovative and creative cook as well as a gracious and entertaining host. His home was a gathering place for his many friends and neighbors, who never needed an invitation to be welcomed and regaled on a broad host of topics. He listened to them, encouraged them, assisted them and made them laugh. He was a true friend.
Tom was indeed the Captain of his universe. His great love of life was equaled only by his heart and generosity.
Tom was loved and adored by his family and friends and will be sorely missed. In addition to Elizabeth, the love of his life and his wife of 25 years, he is survived by their son, Thomas James “T.J.”, his daughter, Stephanie and her husband John Sabanosh of Scottsdale, Arizona, his daughter Melissa and her husband Scott Butters of Lamoine, Maine; four grandchildren, a brother Edward, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Josephine Fontaine of Connecticut and Florida.
Friends and family will gather at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Avenue, Virginia Beach to celebrate Tom’s life on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 7:0pm to 8:30pm. Please visit altmeyer.com to express your condolences to Tom’s family.
Tom’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make a contribution in Tom’s name and memory to the Thomas P. Fontaine Memorial Fund at Bank of America.
Past Services
Service
Wednesday November 19, 2008
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Visitation
Wednesday November 19, 2008
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Virginia Beach
5792 Greenwich Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
800-934-4648 | Directions
5792 Greenwich Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
800-934-4648 | Directions
Betty and TJ,
We are so very sorry for your loss, more than words can express.
We will never forget how you and Tom opened up your home to us. Tom never failed to offer a happy greeting, brightening our day on every visit. He was a man of great insight, intellect, character and strength. He was always eager to provide entertainment and nourishment. He enlivened every conversation. He was so proud of you, and he proved that countless times while hosting us through his positive outlook on life.
Indeed, Tom truly deserves to be celebrated. We will have several Godfathers in his honor, with a hearty toast to his life, his memory and his family.
If there is ever anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Love,
Fred & Yvonne
Betty,
Tom was one of the boldest, sharpest and confident people I have known. Working for him at Heidelberg Harris was one of the most interesting adventures I have been on.
Tom showed us how to be innovative, to take risks, and to pursue new ways of doing things. He had such confidence. It inspired all of us. He was definitely demanding but it drove us to do great things as a team and his zest for life…unparalleled.
He seemed bent on squeezing out as much of life’s joy as he could.
Have not seen him for many years but would have liked to catch up with him.
The Capalbo family sends it’s sympathies to you, Betty and family.
Paul Capalbo
Dear Betty,
I think you already know that Tom meant a lot to me. I think he would want me to only remember the good times that we shared so thatâÄôs what I plan to do.
I’m honored to have known Tom and thinking about him brings a smile to my face.
I only wish I had come to see him.
Always,
Herb
Dear Elizabeth & Family,
I was shocked to hear of Tom’s passing. I met Tom through Jerry Tuero and a group of Navy guys who played golf together. I immediately took a liking to Tom and have enjoyed playing many rounds of golf with Tom, Elizabeth, and others of the “group”. Tom enjoyed life to the fullest and was a super friend. He touched so many with his humor and wit…he will be missed. Our deepest sympathy…Les & Joanne Moore
Dear Elizabeth & T J
I am so sorry for your loss. Wish we got together sooner. It was like we grew up together , He never changed. He will be missed.
Your loving cousin Catherine
Elizabeth & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan
Maverick is the perfect word to describe Tom. He was one of the most interesting and truly intelligent people I have ever met. I feel lucky to have gotten the chance to know him. He will be missed.
Condolences,
Joanna Roberts
Michelle and I are so sorry to hear of Tom’s unexpected passing. Of the many wonderful memories I have of Tom, his example is the one I’ll remember most. Tom was truly a “Man’s Man” in the fullest, most positive sense of the term. He was not only strong, independent and self reliant, but also compassionate and thoughtful of others, and he was completely devoted to his family. Of course, the great memories of playing golf with Tom, Gerry and Carlos will always be there, as will the happy and festive times we spent at the house. We will miss him, and he and the whole Fontaine family, are in our prayers.
Respectfully,
Matt and Michelle Grimes
My condolences to the family and friends.
My condolences to you and your family,
I knew Tom when he was at Heidelberg in Dover, NH as a contractor/consultant then as the VP in MIS, in fact, I was his secretary and we worked together for many years and shared the same birthday. I remember traveling to Dallas on business usually with Roger Rouleau, Tom and Norma Grogan and we had some great margueritas with some great meals and good talks.
I also remember the xmas parties that you and he both hosted, the food was delicious and I still use your mint brownie recipe. I also remember the little xmas village set out for the holidays in your living room. I think TJ was around 5 when you all moved to Virginia.
My desk was in the middle of the large dept with his office way up front towards the window and the parking lot. He would not call me on the phone. He would just yell out his front door and into this huge office space and all would hear him yelling for me to bring him something or other. His voice did carry through the purchasing department.
I was very saddened to hear about TomâÄôs passing. I do remember TomâÄôs joy de vive.
It was a pleasure to know both you and Tom. IâÄôve been retired for 3 years, but still like to keep in touch with old friends who keep me up on the news of the people that I worked with. He is certainly one of those.
Take care,
Natalie Bernier Dinaburg
My deepest sympathies on your recent loss.
Thomas Fontaine: 18 February 1942 – 12 November 2008
WeâÄôve known Tom, Elizabeth and TJ since 1994. In that time, we went from being neighbors to becoming family. That doesnâÄôt happen often these days, you are lucky if you are able to get in a greeting in every now and then. The KendallâÄôs, and Debbie and her girls were also part of that wonderful relationship with the FontaineâÄôs.
In that span of time, we have laughed together, had a standing Friday evening invite, which really included Saturday as well as Sunday football or golf, and the ladies playing cards. WeâÄôve gone on three vacations abroad, and we even visited him in Houston while he was working there.
His home was always open to his family and friends.
His kitchen and dining room has seen many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners full of friends and family.
Hi family room has heard many tunes, laughs and jokes, and seen many dances as we gathered to ring in a New Year; celebrate a birthday or just whoop it up on a weekend.
When Elizabeth got him a karaoke machine for one Christmas, we thought Elvis was really back. His bar was his throne, and Tom loved holding court there. He did love a good party.
A number of my Navy friends became TomâÄôs friends. We played golf together, dined out as couples, and went to events together. Tom truly enjoyed their company as they his. He had them over for several parties and get togethers. I recently informed them of whatâÄôs happened, they are spread out all over the country now, but they quickly responded. I had a little trouble getting in touch with one of them, but as soon as he found out, he called. It was a good conversation. He said to me âÄúJerry I know you two were very close and I am very sorry for yours and TomâÄôs familyâÄôs lossâÄù. And he also saidâÄ_ âÄúTom lived a full life, he truly enjoyed it, and he lived big and he was always a manâÄôs manâÄù.
I had to agree with thatâÄ_ one example of him enjoying life occurred while we were driving back from playing golf one day. It was one of the very few times that I drove, you see Tom had to drive the car, and as for the golf cart, forget about itâÄ_ I donâÄôt think that in the nearly hundred or so times we played golf, that I ever drove the golf cart. But anyway, we were coming out of a golf course in Suffolk, and as I am getting ready to drive back to the highway he says, have you ever thought to take the back roads? I looked over at him, and my reply was âÄúnoâÄù but my thought was more like âÄúwhy in the hell would I want to do that, I know where IâÄôm going now, why get lostâÄùâÄ_ but I wonâÄôt soon forget that dayâÄ_ it was a great lesson, and more importantly a great memory today. It was about discovery for him, he really did smell the roses.
You see Tom really loved the âÄútripâÄù. I can honestly say that I was at times envious, not in a bad way, but I just wish that more often, I cared more for the trip than the destination.
Tom, you have certainly traveled and loved the journey, youâÄôve even made this last trip a memorable one. YouâÄôve managed to keep your home full of family and friends. Tom youâÄôve kept the party going all week long.
WeâÄôve loved you and enjoyed being part of your journey, thank you for your warmth and sincerity, your big heart, your generosity and the wonderful memories; weâÄôll do our best to keep the laughs going my friend. When you get a chance, sing us a song with Elvis.
We will always treasure the memories of the countless Friday nights out back to catch up on news of the week, the spontaneous Saturday night dinners, the Thanksgivings, the Christmases, the New Year’s Eves, the Birthday parties, Memorial Day picnics, July 4th picnics, Halloween parties, the Fontaine Holiday parties, the Cruise, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya, New York, Houston, the Mother’s Days that Tom, Jerry & Kevin made brunch, the graduation parties, retirement party, the karaoke machine & all the dancing that took place in your house. A lifetime of memories we made in 14 short years. Elizabeth, we are always here for you & TJ, whether you are across the street or across the country. We Love You Both.
Jerry, Robin, Stephanie & Jason