William Henry Fontes

William Henry Fontes


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Nov 29th, 2014

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  • Death Date: Nov 29, 2014

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Biography: William Henry Fontes, 58 of Little Rock, AR, formerly of Lancaster, PA passed into eternal rest at his home on November 29, 2014. He is survived by his loving wife Jody Miller Fontes. Born March 22, 1956 in E. Lansing, MI the son of the late Dr. Antone K Fontes and Katherine Balthazar Fontes of New Bedford, MA. The Fontes family settled in Lancaster, PA in 1960 and upon the death of his mother, Katherine his father married Jean Houck Fontes and together they raised a blended family of nine. He will be sadly and profoundly missed and forever loved by his family. Children: B. Graham (Bess Jones) Fontes, Margaret E. (Justin) Gregg and his six grandchildren: Henry and Mary Miller Fontes and Mary Elise and Hailey Gregg and two grandsons both expected to arrive in the spring. Siblings: Susan (Bill) Watkins, Kris Fontes, Michael Fontes ( deceased) Lynn(Eric) MacEachern, Lisa Fontes Harper, Barbara Dunn, Leslie(Franz) Lembke , Robert ( Susan) Fontes and many nieces and nephews. Following graduation from Manheim Township HS in 1974, Bill attended The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY where he received his degree in 1977. Bill was a hotel executive who began his long and illustrious career as a chef travelling and living in many cities and states as he advanced his career in the hotel industry. Most recently, as the General Manager of the Little Rock Marriott / Davidson Hotel & Resorts Team. He received numerous industry awards and recognitions for outstanding service and commitment to excellence. Over the years, Bill supported various community organizations and charities. He served as president of the St Louis Hotel Association and most recently was a board member for Easter Seals of Little Rock. Bill was a passionate supporter of ?Give Kids the World?. Billy lived his life with passion, endless energy and determination. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting, bee keeping, horticulture, his dog Little Bill (Willy) and creating and building with his hands. He was adored by so many and brought joy, laughter and compassion to all who knew him. Above all, Billy was a faithful Christian who loved God and his family. Memorial services will be held at St Andrews Anglican Church in Little Rock, AR on Friday December, 5 2014 at 11:00 am with a celebration of life to follow at the Little Rock Marriott. Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, PA in January 2015. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Give Kids the World, Easter Seals-Little Rock, AR, The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park NY and Operation New Life Surgical Ministries. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(16)
Nancy Mahler
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Please accept sincere condolences from me and my daughter, Jennifer, who is a client at the Easter Seals Center for Training and Wellness. We met Bill several times at Easter Seals functions. He was a wonderful man, and he did make a difference in so many lives. So very sorry we missed the service. I didn't know, and was shocked to hear of his passing. We lost a good friend.
Rachel Martino
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jody, Graham and Margaret.

I am so sad to hear about Bill's passing. My condolences to your family. You guys made such an impact in our Hilton/Davidson lives while you were in San Antonio. There are many fond Bill memories that we had the pleasure to experience at the Hilton Airport. Bill will be missed and my prayers go out to you all.

Sincerely,
Rachel Martino
Tim & Sally Sandstrom
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jody,
Please accept our deepest condolences to you, Graham & Margaret. We were saddened by Billy's illness and shocked by his sudden death. He will be missed by many. Please know that you are in our prayers. Your extended family is always here to love and support you!!

Much Love!!
Tim, Sally, Kayla & Jon
Sandi Smith
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My deepest prayers to you Jody. Billy was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed by many. You two were a breath of fresh air in my life.
Zack Beehner
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bill was my favorite uncle, he always went out of his way for us and never failed to make us laugh.
Scott Bennett MTHS class of 1974
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I haven't seen Bill since high school, But I wish I had. Reading everything that Bill has accomplished in Work,Family and his Life I know there is a big void in a lot of peoples lives. To Jody and all family far and near I wish you peace in your hearts at this difficult time. Remember Bill everyday and in time it will get better.

Love & Peace
Don Bray
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jody,

Very sad to hear the news of Bill's passing. He was always very kind to helpful to me. I remember being allowed to watch your dogs while you were on vacation. I will always have fond memories of him. God Bless.

Don
Susan Fontes Watkins
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I so loved the little boy who was full of life and joy. He didn't change as he got older. He embraced his family, work, and community. Jody, Margaret, and Graham you have our love and support always. Love and miss you, Billy.
Don and Chris Bittick
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We send our love to you and to tell you never to lose touch with us. Bill was an incredible mentor and most of all friend. Don will miss him tremendously but keeps with him many great memories!

Don and Chris
Maxwell Rush Beejhner
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Billy was one of a kind, I looked up to him as a father at times. Hope that with time, we will heal, but Billy will be with us forever.
Kate Beehner
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Will always be the "fun" uncle. I will miss his prank calls and creepy doug voice. All my love.
George and Kris Hansford
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Jody
We were shocked to hear the news of Bill's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We send you love and wish you peace at this very difficult time.

Kris and George
Lisa Fontes Harper
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jody,Graham and Margaret, We will all miss Billy and remember all the good times we had.
Jeffery M VanCamp
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I know he's already fixing or building something in heaven. Blessed to have had known him!
Sending love to all of you during this painful time.
JVC
Jill A Watkins
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
All of our love to our Fontes Family during this extremely difficult time. We love you and will miss Uncle Bill tremendously.

Love to all - we are keeping you in our prayers

Jill
Kris Fontes
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jody, Graham and Margaret, What an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and beekeeper, he was. We will all miss him and his ability to make everyone smile.

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