Leuciano Leaurence (Larry) Fontana, age 94, of Fort Frances, Ontario, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at La Verendrye hospital with family by his side. He was born on December 13, 1931, in Fort Frances, Ontario, to Andrew and Clementina Fontana.
Larry grew up in Fort Frances and graduated from Fort Frances High School. Education was an important part of his life. In 1950 he took out an American Immigrant Visa and in 1954 graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota. As a result of this he was eligible for the American military draft and when teaching in Fort Frances in 1955 was drafted into the American army. He returned to America and served his draft calling with pride for two years and was stationed in many bases throughout the U.S.A. He was always proud to have served, especially as a Canadian citizen. While there, he proved to be an excellent marksman that earned him a spot on a shooting team. He also did excellent work in the Aircraft Electronics program, which earned him the respect of his superiors as well as setting an example for other army units. After being released from the Army, for a short time he pursued working as a Pharmacist but then returned to teaching. A Bachelor of Arts from Western University was added to his portfolio in 1962. After teaching and working in the positions of assistant principal and principal in Fort Frances, Red Lake and Atikokan he took a position as a Chief Executive Officer (Director of Education) in the Ontario school system from 1972 to 1987. During those years, he also completed his Masters of Education from Lakehead University in 1978, an accomplishment that reflected his dedication and passion for learning.
After retiring as Director of Education, Larry continued in a consulting capacity and operated and volunteered with many organizations. He, along with Doug McCaig and Delbert Horton, were instrumental in the early developmental stages of the Rainy Lake Ojibway Education Authority, which is now known as Seven Generations Education Institute.
Larry’s lifelong love of learning and education shaped his journey, leading him to a meaningful career and inspiring him to pursue several business ventures. With partners Bruce Davidson and Vic Prokopchuk, Larry constructed and operated the White Otter Inn, a thirty-unit motel and dining room in Atikokan, Ontario. In 1994, Larry, and wife Betty, purchased the hotel and became sole owners. Larry and partner Vic purchased Atikokan Printing Ltd. in 1982. They were passionate about keeping a community newspaper operational in Atikokan. Around this time, Larry and Vic also purchased Four Seasons Travel in Atikokan as another business venture, again with the desire to keep this local business operational in the community.
Larry was an avid outdoorsman, where he enjoyed hunting ducks, geese, partridge and big game. In his early post secondary years he worked summer jobs on the Hallett, learning Rainy Lake as they hauled wood from all corners of the lake. He even was involved in some prospecting by laying claims around Rainy and the Manitou lakes. He worked as a fishing guide when young and loved fishing all throughout his life. He curled in his younger years and learned how to ski later in life so that he could take his family skiing in Banff, Alberta. Two different cabins were built in the Red Gut Bay area, where the family spent much time over many years. Receiving a licence to fly small planes was an exciting endeavour for Larry. He owned a J-3 Cub for a number of years as well as a small Cessna later on.
Larry is survived by his wife Betty Fontana (Gunderson); brother James Fontana and wife Margaret Fontana; brother-in-law Morris Wonfor; brother and sister-in-law Ken and Glenda Addley; children Mark Fontana and wife Tina Fontana; grandchildren Brooke Fontana, Nicole Maki (Fontana) and husband Andrew Maki, Tyler Fontana and wife Sydney Fontana; and great-grandchildren Joshua Friesen, Nora Maki, Genevieve Friesen and Anderson Maki. He was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Clementina Fontana; son David Fontana; brother William “Bill” Fontana; and sister Jenny Wonfor (Fontana).
In his final hours, Larry remained devoted to his family, expressing to Mark and Tina his wish that his wife, Betty, be well cared for and that his three grandchildren be provided with every opportunity for a successful life. This concern speaks volumes about the kind of man he was and the love for his family he leaves behind.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Parish in Fort Frances. A luncheon will be held in the basement of the church following the service. In lieu of flowers a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
