Robert Aldor Fontenault, ARNG, 55, of Brookstone Drive, Sterling, CT, died Sunday, April 30, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Melodie Diane (Cahoon) Fontenault. They had been married for 25 years.
Born in Providence, RI, he was a son of the late Roger Alderic and Claire Marie (Vezina) Fontenault. He had lived in Foster, RI before moving to Sterling, CT in 2000.
Robert joined the Marines in 1980 and served on active duty until transferring to the Active Connecticut Army National Guard achieving the rank of Sergeant Major.
He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Connecticut Medal of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, both the Navy and Army Achievement Medals, two time Chiefs 50 Recruiting Award, Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal and the Expert Recruiter Badge.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children: Paula Rich of Plainfield, CT, Holly Greene and her husband, Jesse of Brooklyn, CT, Matthew, Gabrielle, Jeremiah and Elijah Fontenault all of Sterling, CT, as well as his three grandchildren: Angelina and Ethen Greene and Wesley Fontenault, his siblings: Roger E. Fontenault of Maryland, Ronald J. Fontenault of Smithfield, Normand A. Fontenault and Raymond L. Fontenault of North Scituate, RI. He was the brother of the late Marie A. Fontenault.
Robert was best known for treating total strangers as friends and providing corny jokes and one-liners to anyone that would listen. His infectious smile lit up the room wherever he went and was known to always put his family before anything else. Most of all he “loved love” and pals4ever.
His funeral will be held Friday at 9:30am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville, RI. Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in St. Paul the Apostle Church, Pike, 116A Danielson Pike, Foster, RI Burial with Military Honors in St. Ann’s Cemetery, 73 Church Street, Cranston, RI 02920. Visitation Thursday 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the 2010 Fisher House Foundation, INC. A charitable organization that helps provide lodging to military families while their loved ones are receiving medical treatment. 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420 Rockville, MD 20850, 888-394-8560.