Vincent Joseph Fonte

WWII Veteran, Member Of Original Flying Tigers

Vincent J. Fonte, age 92, of Newtown, and formerly of Norwalk, died on Christmas day at Ashlar of Newtown.

Mr Fonte Vincent was born on July 4, 19­­­­15, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Joseph and Gilda Fonte. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Frances Fonte, and also by his parents.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Pat Gregory of Newtown; three grandsons, Londy Gambino and his wife, Kelly of Holland, Penn., Keith Gambino and his wife, Denise, of Redding, and Justin Gregory of West Springfield, Mass.; six great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Kyle, Keeley, Jared, Austin, and Brendan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr Fonte was a World War II veteran, a member of the original Flying Tigers. He was the flight engineer on the plane known as Twobits piloted by General Claire Chennaults, and a survivor of the Rhona Tragedy. Among his many honors are the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver and Bronze stars, and a Purple Heart.

Family and friends are invited to attend a wake and greet the family on Friday, December 28, from 9 to 10:45 am at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue in Norwalk. Immediately following the wake, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in St Thomas the Apostle, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St John’s Cemetery.

Vincent’s family extends their thanks and gratitude to the Ashlar of Newtown for the kindness and care he was given during his short residence there. He will be missed by all of his family and friends.

The Newtown Bee       December 28, 2007