Thomas E. “Pops” Fontanella, NFFD Ret., age 87, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, rejoining his beloved wife in heaven 61 years to the day of their wedding anniversary, celebrated on May 1, 1965, in Houtzdale, PA.

Born in Coalport, PA, Tom was the son of Bruno A. and Sophie V. (Banko) Fontanella, and the stepson of the late Elizabeth Fontanella. Raised in Coalport, he was a graduate of BCI High School before proudly joining the United States Army, serving his country until his honorable discharge.

Tom moved to Niagara Falls in the early 1960s, where he first worked at his Uncle Walter’s gas station. He later joined Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. before beginning the career that defined his life of service, becoming a proud Niagara Falls Firefighter in 1970. He served the community with dedication until his retirement in 2000.

Tom was a longtime member of the 3F Club and the Niagara River Fishing Club on Grand Island. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting, fishing, tending to his garden, berry picking, and cooking. Above all, Tom cherished the time spent with his beloved family

Tom is survived by his sons, Mark (Becky) Fontanella, NFFD Ret. Battalion Chief, and Paul Fontanella, ABF Trucking Service Center Manager; his grandchildren, Brooke Murdoch and Cole Murdoch; his siblings, Barb (Jim) Boone and Walter (Dorothy) Fontanella, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin on Saturday at 9:15 AM followed by Thomas’ Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Mary of The Cataract Church, 259 4th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.