Joseph Lorie Fonteno, 90, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa following a brief illness.
Joseph was born in Beaumont, Texas on November 21, 1928 to Shulwell and Angel Fonteno. In 1952, he met his future wife, Ezola Ann Fonteno, in Louisiana at a wedding. They dated for a few years and married in 1954. Their first daughter was born shortly after. In 1962, they had 5 children by then and Joseph was involved in a tragic accident at work. He was in the hospital for 2 and half months, but miraculously survived. The accident left him 100% disabled and he was no longer able to work. Joseph and Ezola went on to have 2 more children, making for a total of 7.
His children fondly remember him teaching them a love for the lord. He ruled with an iron fist, but he truly loved each and every one of his children. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and relentlessly tried to be a faithful servant.
Joseph leaves behind four brothers: Vincent, Richard, Tony, and Patrick. 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Ivory, Leo, Margie, and Theresa predeceased Joseph. Joseph leaves behind 7 children, Jennifer, Gregory, Vivian, Cynthia (John), Phillip (Tina), Juliana, and Gerard (Reeva). Joseph was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Jessica (who we lost in 2001), Karlie (James), Jackie (Jonathan), Tosh, Chelsea, Breecole (Danny), Callie, Johnny, Austin, Bryce, and Joshua. There are 8 great grandchildren, Jessica Marie, Ethan, Kaylee, Trace, Jordan, Jaelynn, Jesse Ann, and Jimmy Jr.
The viewing will be at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 E. Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207, from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday May 16, 2019. Services will be at the same location on May 17, 2019, at the graveside at 1030 am.
We will miss you Papa Joe!
Dear Uncle Joe,
Although we didn’t see each other that often, you will be missed. I’m thankful that I got to see you last year when you came to see my dad, Leo, before he passed
Say hello to Grandma and the rest of our family.
❤️❤️❤️