Donald B. Fontaine, Sr. passed away on February 6th, 2021 at his home in Claremont.  He was 99-years old.  Don was born in Claremont, NH on September 26th, 1921 - one of nine children born to Simeon and Etta Fontaine and resided in Claremont all his life.

He graduated from Stevens High School in 1939.

On September 26, 1943, he married Rita A. (Girard) Fontaine.  They raised three sons.  They celebrated 77 years of marriage in 2020.

Don worked farming with his father for several years.  He later worked at the Claremont Post Office, was later transferred to the White River Jct., VT Post Office and finished his career back in Claremont where he retired from US Postal Service in 1982.

After retirement, he started a Christmas tree farm on his property.  He enjoyed tending the Christmas trees during the spring and summer months but, most of all, he loved to see the families arrive each year, cut their own trees by hand and visit with them.  He made Christmas wreaths which he also enjoyed.  He spent many years tapping trees on the farm and making maple syrup.

In the mid-1980s to late 1990s, he served as Sullivan County Commissioner.  He received an award from the NH Association of Counties for Commissioner of the Year.

He was also a member of the NH Timberland Owners Association and the NH Tree Farms for several years.

He was a member of St. Mary's Parish in Claremont.

For several years from early spring to late fall, he could be seen mowing lawns with his grandson who works as a landscaper.  He did this until he was in his early 90s!

Donald is survived by his wife, Rita, of Claremont; Sons: Donald B. Jr. (Anne), Pete (Betty), Robin (Laurie) all of Claremont; 9 grandchildren: Rita Martin, Marissa Fontaine, Donnice Fontaine, Adam Fontaine, Jessie Lommerin, Rachel Thomas, Joan Fontaine, Elise Fontaine and Dan Fontaine; 7 great grandchildren: Eli Martin, Matthew Fontaine, Kyle Fontaine, Garrett Lommerin, Emily Lommerin, Lawson Fontaine and Walker Fontaine.  He is also survived by 3 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  All his siblings predeceased him - Ernest Fontaine, Ethel Hathaway, Beatrice Stiles, George Fontaine, Lillian Matthews, Henry Fontaine, Francis Fontaine, and Blanche St. John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Church on May 22 ^nd at 11AM. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.