Obituary of Cheryl Fontana

Cheryl Anne Fontana, 60, of San Jose, CA, passed away on March 13, 2020, in San Jose, CA after a sudden brief illness. She was born in Newark, NJ, to Carmine and Lucille Fontana on January 8, 1960. Cheryl grew up in Nutley before moving to Bound Brook, NJ. For the past 23 years, she made California her home. Cheryl graduated from Nutley High School in Nutley, NJ, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Bloomfield College. She worked as a critical care nurse at Newark Beth Israel Hospital, Newark, NJ, for many years before moving into the field of Cardiac Electrophysiology Research. Cheryl lead clinical trials for St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific, and Stryker International. She successfully managed trials for numerous medical devices, which obtained FDA approval and were brought to market. Cheryl enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to concerts, cooking together, and laughing together. Cheryl shared her boundless strength, hope, and courage and left her mark on the hearts of many. She was caring and giving of herself, and her warmth and love will be missed. Cheryl is predeceased by her parents Carmine and Lucille Fontana, and her stepmother Anne Fontana. Cheryl is survived by her brother, Rick Fontana and his wife Karen; step-sister Suzanne Sblendorio and husband Rocco; step-brother Joseph Napolitano; step-brother Michael Napolitano and his wife Susan; Nieces and Nephews: Tara and husband Matt, Mark and wife Cheryl, Madeline, Kenny, Zachary, Tylar, Mike, and Kyrsten; and many god-children. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Donations may be made in Cheryl’s honor to St Jude’s Research Hospital for Children, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.