Obituary of Rita Jean Fontana

Rita J. Fontana, of Livingston Manor, NY passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021 at home with her loving daughter and care provider in attendance at the age of 91. She was born on June 14, 1929 to Elizabeth Shelie in Binghamton, NY. Edith took in and raised Rita as a cover up for her biological grandson Paul, Edith adopted Paul but never adopted Rita. A lifelong resident of Livingston Manor, Rita was the youngest graduate of the Class of 1946 graduating at age 16. Rita was awarded a partial scholarship at Pratt School of Design. Rita was unable to attend due to financial hardship. Rita was a member and officer of the Order of Eastern Star Sullivan Chapter #298 since November 1951. Rita was also a member of the Livingston Manor Presbyterian Church since 1949 where she married her late husband Charles on December 4, 1949. Rita was brought up as a Catholic. She loved to hunt deer, she killed approximately 140 bucks in her lifetime, pheasant, grouse, woodcock, wild turkey, and squirrels. Rita also loved to cook, fish and garden. Rita and Charlie's flowers have been admired by many for many years. Rita was preceded in death by her husband Charles, son-in-law Matthias Stec, and dear friend Larry. She is survived by her daughter Marlene Mavoides of Horton, daughter Susan of Livingston Manor and Sidney, granddaughters Ella Mavoides of Horton, Samantha Cappicione of Glen Spey, and five great-granddaughters, dear friend Ed and brother Robert Velie (Kay) and sister Louise of Vestal, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home, 29 Pearl Street, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Interment will take place on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Orchard Street Cemetery, details will be announced at a later date. Guidelines set forth by the State of New York will be followed, masks and social distancing are required at all times. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita's name can be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or the Livingston Manor Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 342, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Arrangements under the care of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home, for further information call 845-439-4333 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com