Michael Fontaine 85, a lifelong Franklin resident, and affectionately known as “Mike On The Main” died Tuesday August 31, 2010 at Caritas Norwood Hospital, following a long illness.
Born in Franklin, January 28, 1925 a son of the late Matthew J. Fontaine Sr. and Mary R. (Vendetti) Fontaine, he was raised and educated in Franklin. He retired in 1990 from Dean College in Franklin where he worked for more than 25 years in the maintenance department.
He served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in the South Pacific Theater, he attained the rank of corporal, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in January 1946.
Mr. Fontaine got his nickname from always being a visible presence on Main Street in downtown Franklin. He would routinely run errands, get coffee, watch shops, and do banking for shop owners and others every day. Rain or shine, winter, summer or nasty weather, he would be found uptown. He never wore gloves, and was always in a great mood. He will be greatly missed, by all who knew him.
He is survived by 3 sisters; Eleanor J. Fontaine, Gloria L. Fontaine, and Pauline P. Olson and her husband Kenneth all of Franklin, a sister-in-law Joan (Langston) Fontaine of Franklin, and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Matthew J. Fontaine Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors, Saturday Sept.4th, at 11:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oterifuneralhome.com, with a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Sq. at 12 Noon.
Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Friday 4-8PM.
If desired donations in his memory sent to Friends of Franklin 50 Corbin St. Franklin, MA 02038 would be appreciated.