Obituary

Harold Joseph Fonte Sr, President of Fonte Properties LLC, died in Cleveland, Tennessee on January 1, 2025 at the age of 97. Born in New Orleans, he was the son of the late Harold E. Fonte and Odiel Lamor Fonte and brother of the late Larry N. Fonte. He was the husband of the late Marion Anderson Fonte by first marriage. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Elaine Hemard Fonte, sons Harold J Jr of Church Point, LA, Richard A of Covington, LA, David B of Brentwood, CA and a daughter Cathleen Barber of Abita Springs, LA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was retired from United Technologies (now RTX) as a territory manager in the Carrier Air Conditioning Division.

Mr. Fonte attended Incarnate Word Catholic School, S. J. Peters High School and Joseph A Mabing Business School. He was employed at Higgins Industries at the City Park Plant prior to entering the Navy in WWII. He served aboard the USS Butler DD636-DMS29 in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. This ship and crew received numerous awards and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation on 2 occasions for outstanding heroism at Okinawa. He was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation, the China Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

He was a charter member of the National WWII Museum, the US Navy Memorial Foundation, life member of The Tin Can Sailors and Sons of Italy Foundation. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus with over 50 years of service and a member of St Benedict Council #3061, as well as the American Legion, Robert H. Burns Post 16 both in Covington.

He was a former member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church where he was a member of the first parish council, a Eucharistic Minister at Heritage Manor Nursing Home and Lakeview Regional Medical Center. He served as past president of the hospital's auxiliary and manager-buyer for their gift shop for 4 years. Ultimately, he volunteered at Lakeview for 24 years and received the First Humanitarian award for his service to the hospital and its patients.

In 1998 he was awarded the Order of St. Louis Medallion by Archbishop Shulte for his dedicated service to the church and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He was an Oblate of St Benedict and a volunteer at St Joseph Abbey bakery for 14 years where bread is baked for the poor.

He was proud to be part of The Greatest Generation and Love of God, wife Elaine, Children and His Country.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service; also Employees of Carrier New Orleans, the Knights of Columbus of St Benedict Council #3061 and American Legion Post 16.

Memorial Service to be held at St Joseph Abbey in Covington at 1:00 PM on March 13, 2025, followed at 2:00 by a funeral mass and internment at the Abbey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, PLEASE make a donation to Pennies for Bread, St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, St Benedict, LA 70457.