Obituary of Michael R. Fontana
June 22, 1954 – May 11, 2025
Michael R. Fontana, 70, of Warren, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Born on June 22, 1954, in Flushing, New York, Michael was the son of the late Thomas and Delphine Fontana. He grew up in Bayside, Queens, and remained deeply connected to his New York roots throughout his life. For the past two decades, he had made his home in Warren, New Jersey, where he and his family built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories with each other and the many friends they made.
Michael began his academic journey at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. Though an illness forced him to leave the program early, he was later invited to return, a path he often reflected on with some regret for not pursuing further. Nonetheless, his intellectual curiosity and determination led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from York College in Jamaica, Queens, and later a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.
Michael went on to enjoy a fulfilling and lifelong career as an environmental consultant, a vocation that aligned perfectly with his love of nature and the outdoors. He began his professional work with Dan Raviv Associates in Millburn, New Jersey, an important milestone in his life, not only for launching his career but because it was there that he met the love of his life, Cecilia. The two would later marry and share 31 wonderful years together.
Over the course of his career, Michael founded and operated several successful environmental consulting firms, including AquaSol, AquaTek, and, most recently, Verina Environmental Consulting. His dedication to the field and entrepreneurial spirit were evident in everything he did, and he took great pride in the impact of his work.
Michael’s passion for the environment extended well beyond the workplace. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy and purpose in the natural world. He spent countless hours hiking and winter mountaineering, particularly in the Adirondacks. His adventurous spirit took him to summits across the country, including Mount Rainier in Washington and Denali in Alaska. He also had a deep love of sailing with his family on his beloved Orion, often finding peace and freedom on the open water.
Creative and expressive, Michael was also an accomplished abstract artist. His artwork, like his personality, was bold, original, and full of energy. A true audiophile, he was equally passionate about music, dedicating time and effort to perfecting the acoustics of his home sound system, both indoors and out.
Above all, Michael was known for his warmth, humor, and generous spirit. He was the life of every family gathering, the one everyone gravitated toward for stories, laughter, and good company. He made people feel welcome, listened to, and loved. His sense of humor, playful banter, and larger-than-life personality left an indelible mark on those lucky enough to know him.
A loyal Mets fan, who, in rare form, would root for the Yankees only if the Mets were not competing. He also enjoyed watching the other New York sports teams such as the Rangers, Knicks and Giants. But overall, Michael didn’t take the wins or losses too seriously.
When it came to family, he was all heart. His greatest pride and deepest joy came from being a father. Michael never knew the word “no” when it came to the most adored family pet, Cody and especially his daughters Natalie and Julianne. They and Cecilia were his everything, the center of his world.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Cecilia Fontana; his treasured daughters, Natalie and Julianne Fontana; and his four brothers: Stephen and his wife Helen, Roger and his wife Suna, Patrick and his wife Judy, and Thomas and his wife Linda. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to share in his remarkable life.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, 1890 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ. Cremation services will be held privately.
