Leo E. Fontaine, 97, of Burlington, VT passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023.  Leo was born on May 2, 1926, and grew up in Westfield, VT, with his parents, Aime and Yvonne (Benoit) Fontaine and 11 siblings: George, Annette, Rachel, Rene, Rolland, Evelyn, Alfred, Adrien, Paul, Roger and Richard on the family farm.  Leaving the farm for the big city of Newport, VT, Leo worked as an automotive mechanic, bus driver and landlord in addition to his role as a proud husband, father and, later, grandfather and great grandfather.  After a brief tour with the United States Army out-of-state, Leo was more than happy to return to Vermont and its 'comfortable' climate.  Leo is perhaps best known for his persistence and strong work ethic, never settling for 'can do', but exchanging it for a 'will do' attitude.  If not working on the family (and others) car or other mechanical devices, Leo would be puttering around his work bench taking apart, modifying, or creating tools and other implements.  His free time was generally spent outside, split between his family, all season fishing tackle and motorcycle.  His fascination with nature, especially bird and squirrel watching continued to his last day.

Leo was predeceased by his parents and several of his siblings as well as two sons, Thomas and Peter Leo, who died in infancy.  He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Fontaine and his wife Lois of Colchester, VT and John Fontaine and his partner Leanne Paradiso of Lincoln, MA as well as three grandchildren: Jeffrey Fontaine, II, his wife, Pamela with their children, Anthony, Audrey, and Alexzander and Harrison Fontaine, his wife, Alexandra, and Blake Fontaine.

Funeral services will be held in Leo's honor on Saturday, June 17, at the Derby Center cemetery, Nelson Hill Road, Derby, VT where full military honors will be conducted.  Visitation 10:00 AM-11:00 AM, graveside funeral service at 11:00 AM, and a reception to follow on the grounds.  Attire – casual, dress for the weather.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Care Unit at Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home, 43 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, VT  05408.  Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Homes, Inc. of 37 Lake Road, Newport, VT.