Mary Jo Fontana passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the age of 84.

Family and friends will honor her life on Wednesday, June 28th, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  The Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary Jo was born on July 17, 1938.

Helping others was just a part of who Mary Jo was, and teaching came naturally to her. She taught at St. Patrick's school for 30 years and had the privilege to teach nine of her grandchildren. Teaching others did not just stop beyond the classroom; Mary Jo was known for her famous fried chicken that she has now passed down to her grandchildren. She embraced and welcomed the tradition of family dinner on Sundays, where she would teach all who wanted to learn how to make her fried chicken, sugo, and meatballs.

She embraced the role as a Nani just as she did as a mother. She was always known to be only a phone call away for all twelve grandkids, which only further strengthened the bond she had with each of them. The memories she made with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are those that will live on forever.

She is preceded in death by her son Frank Fontana, daughter Marie Brancato, her brother Chuck DeFeo, sister Carol Heffernon, and her parents Charles and Anne DeFeo. She is survived by sister Adele Perkins and sister-in-law Kelly DeFeo; daughters Cathy Calia and Carol (Henry) Belfonte, daughter-in-law Jennifer Fontana, and son-in-law Dominic Brancato; her 12 grandchildren: Tommy (Kasha) Calia, Victor Calia, Cari (Jeremy) Meyer, David (Ashley) Belfonte, Sal (Leah) Belfonte, Franki (Chris) Ferguson, Marie (Joe) Strada, Joe Frank (Jordan) Brancato, Victor (Tanner) Brancato, Nikki (Spencer) Nash, Frankki (Brooks) Miller, and Victor (Erin) Fontana; as well as 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Pallbearers include: Tommy Calia, Victor Calia, David John Belfonte, Sal Belfonte, Joe Frank Brancato, Victor Joe Brancato, and Victor Fontana

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7