Theresa Fontana

Theresa Fontana, 91 formerly of Eltingville, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Theresa was born in Little Italy, NYC. She grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn where she met Philip Fontana, who lived on the same block. They married in 1952 and moved to Eltingville, Staten Island in January 1960 where they raised their 3 children, Annette, Philip, and Kathleen. She loved her home and was excited each holiday, when she would decorate her bow window. Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays when she would have her whole family over for dinner, including her Mom, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Terry always made too much food! There was so much laughter and memories made during these dinners! She was the best cook and baker! She made pounds and pounds of cookies at Christmas such as Logs, Neopolitans, Sandies, and Thimbles and lovingly shared them with family and friends. In the winter time, after each snowstorm, you could find Terry shoveling everyone's sidewalk! Terry was a parishioner of Holy Child Church, where she would quite often volunteer her time. Her favorite hobby was knitting. Her blankets and baby sweaters were beautiful! She was so talented. She was a dedicated and loving grandmother to Michael, Kenny, Philip, Nicholas, David, Kimberly and Nicole. She always had a camera in her hand, taking pictures of them! Every Christmas she had her friend Steve dress up in Santa's Suit and come through the back basement door. The kids were so excited! When Santa left, she would play Grandma Santa. She hid gifts in the secret "forbidden closet", and showered each grandchild with wrapped toys . She was a loving great grandma to 3 great grandchildren. Robert, Madison and baby Anthony. Terry always had a smile on her face, and was always ready and willing to help anyone. Our family will never be the same. We love her and will miss her. She was the beloved wife to Philip, who passed away in 2015. Loving mother to Annette Sohmer (Kenneth), Philip J. Fontana (Eileen) and Kathleen Tanzi (Angelo). Dear sister to Salvatore Trollo, Lucy Gaccione and Anna D'Auria. Devoted grandmother to Michael, Philip, Kenny, Nicholas, David, Kimberly and Nicole and cherished great grandmother to Robert, Madison and Anthony. The family will receive friends from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd. (at Eltingville Station), Staten Island, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Rd Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. If so desired, contributions in Terry’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated Please be mindful due to the current State mandate that a mask must be worn at all times in the funeral home and social distancing requirements must be followed during the services. Due to the current Pandemic a strict 40-50 person in room policy is in effect, please adhere to this policy and allow others to pay their respects as well.

Theresa Fontana

July 13, 1929 - August 13, 2020