William Fontaine Obituary

William A. Fontaine

Concord, NH - William A. Fontaine, 90, of Concord, NH, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, after a period of declining health.

Born June 23, 1935, and raised in Penacook, NH, William was the son of the late Emery and Eva (Garland) Fontaine. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 and went on to build a life centered on family, hard work, and helping others.

William spent many years behind the wheel, driving trucks for Willey's Express and Valerie Transportation before finishing his career as a bus driver for Concord Area Transit. Whether it was a big rig or a riding mower, William drove everything like it was an 18-wheeler - with confidence, unmistakable pride, and just a touch of sheer terror for his passengers.

A skilled mechanic and bodywork expert, William enjoyed working on vehicles, painting them, and solving mechanical puzzles. In quieter moments, he loved jigsaw puzzles and word searches. He had a deep appreciation for New England's beauty, often setting off for spontaneous road trips with his wife of 58 years, Claudette - especially to Maine - and never missed their annual cruise on the M/S Mount Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee.

William had a heart as big as his laugh. A member of the CB Club, he was known for his strong will, sharp wit, and generosity from the very first moment he met someone. Always ready to lend a hand, he plowed driveways for neighbors, volunteered at the soup kitchen, and in the 1980s, operated a coffee truck at the Hooksett rest area, offering coffee and hot chocolate in exchange for donations to Crotched Mountain.

He was predeceased by his wife, Claudette (Tatro) Fontaine, in 2018, and by his son, Timothy Fontaine.

He is survived by his children Pamela Hall, Terrie Fontaine, Gail Fontaine Cate and her husband Scott, Tracey Horner and her husband Scott, and daughter-in-law Donna Fontaine. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jonathan Newcomb, Laurajean Cate, Robyn Lafond, Lindsay McGee, Trevor Hall, Joshua Horner, Jeremy Hall, and Anthony Hall; and great-grandchildren: Tucker Bickford-Newcomb, Olan Hall, Braxton Hall, Cassidy Cate, Hunter Cate, Bryson Salves, Elliott McGee, Lily Lafond, Kaylee Lafond, Jordyn Lafond, and Preston Lafond.

A burial with military honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen, on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Claudette. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Boscawen office, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information please visit https://phaneuf.net/.