Mario Fontanez Sr.'s Obituary
Celebration of Life for Mario Fontanez Sr.
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, on April 30th, 1942. Mario Fontanez Sr. was a beloved Husband, Father, Uncle, Brother, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. On June 11th, 2025, in Athens, GA, surrounded by his loved ones, Mario was called to his eternal rest. He now joins his wife, Sylvia Fontanez (born October 27, 1947), who preceded him in death.
Mario was a shining light to his family—a quiet but fearless leader, full of kindness, laughter, and love. He is known for his easy smile and generous spirit, he had a special gift for making everyone feel like family. He truly never met a stranger. Mario cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was always laughing, sharing stories, and offering love without condition.
He was a hard-working man who lived by the principle that "family is everything—it’s all we have at the end of the day." That belief lives on in the values he passed down through generations: grit, courage, and unity.
Mario is preceded in death by: His loving wife, Sylvia Fontanez, his parents Natividad Fontanez and Graciliano Fontanez, his sister Carmen Fontanez and brother Andres Fontanez.
Leaving behind his children: Melissa Session (Fontanez) and Mario Fontanez Jr. His son-in-law, Jarrett Session. His adopted daughter Lily Rispoli and husband Robert Rispoli who he loved like his own.
Mario is survived by his cherished siblings, his six grandchildren and great grandchildren: Siblings: Cruz Fontanez, Eugene Fontanez, Maria "Charo" Padilla, Mary Aviles, Pablo "Cachi" Fontanez.
Grandchildren: Summer Guido, Justin Guido, Brandon Guido, Vanessa Buckles, Christine Rispoli, and William Rispoli
And by his beloved great-grandchildren: Lilliana Guido, Griffin Guido, Iris Herlache, Milo Brown, Luna Baggallay and Ava Session.
Mario served in the United States Army for four years. Professionally, Mario served as an educator with Goodwill Industries where he joyfully helped others learn and grow. His work was a reflection of his life—marked by love, faith, compassion, and service.
He was a man of many passions. A dedicated fisherman, always at the lake with his brother Cachi and Bobby. A hat connoisseur—especially fond of fedoras—and a lover of good food and good times. Mario enjoyed concerts and dancing with his late wife, Sylvia. Sharing stories of seeing artists like Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz and Marc Anthony. He loved baseball, seafood, family cookouts, and always had a soft spot for a plate of house fried rice or classic Puerto Rican cuisine.
More than anything, he loved people—his family, his friends, and even those he just met. His joy was infectious, his presence unforgettable.
Even in his absence, Mario's light continues to shine through his children and grandchildren. His memory lives on in every laugh, every story, and every family gathering.
Romans 14:8 (NLT) "If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Mario, rest well. When we meet again, we’ll have a heavenly cookout. Until then, Pop, we love you and carry you with us always.
The viewing will take place between 4pm-10pm on Thursday, July 10th and 9am-11:30am on Friday, July 11th, followed by the burial, which will be happening at 12pm. At the conclusion of the viewing, everyone should line their vehicles up to follow the escorts to the cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Mario?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mario?
Share a story where Mario's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mario you’ll never forget.
How did Mario make you smile?
