Paul E. Fontaine of Peabody, passed away January11, 2025 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Sheila Fontaine, niece Lee Taylor and daughters, Lisa and Janice, nephew Terry and his former wife Claudia Fontaine of Phoenix. He was predeceased by his parents Yvonne and Joseph Fontaine, brothers Rene, Robert and Henry, and sister Jeannette Young.
Paul’s career spanned many years, starting as a student studying trumpet at Berklee School of Music. He went on to study with Herb Pomeroy in 1955 and later played with the Woody Herman Band from 1958 to 1960. Drafted into the Army, he played in the NORAD Command Band from 1960 to 1962. Following his service he returned to Woody Herman from 1962 -1966. Paul played various nightclubs including Blinstrub’s of Boston playing for many greats including Tony Bennett, Supremes, Frank Sinatra and too many to mention.
Paul also played the Newport Jazz Festival, Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, Lennie on the Turnpike, Sandy’s Jazz Club. Together he and Jimmy Mosher had a big band that played locally. He joined Berklee College of Music as an associate professor for 30 years: all the while playing with Jimmy Mosher, Jimmy Kelly, Greg Hopkins and the White Heat Swing Band with Craig Ball.
Visiting hours for family and friends will be at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Route 114 / 1-A] Salem on Friday, January 17th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the ASPCA ( American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). For guest book and to send a condolence please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com.