Edgar A. Fontaine

Edgar Aurelien Fontaine, (Ed/Sonny/Pep), 81, of Smithfield, RI and formerly of Burrillville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday May 11, 2025, one day after his 81st birthday. He was born in Woonsocket, RI to the late Marguerite (Beland) and Aurelien Fontaine. Edgar leaves behind his wife, Susie Fontaine (Gulowacz) and his children he was so proud of, his son, Paul (Sheryl) of CT and daughter, Tina Egan (David, Sr) of RI, stepdaughter, Jennifer Lombardo (David, Sr) of RI and stepson, Jeffrey Whitecross (Kaitlin) of MA.

Pep, (as he was called by many), cherished all his grandchildren more than anything - Andrew, and Britney, David and Lauren, Deven and Katelin, David, Jr, Talia, Natalie and Owen.

Ed also leaves behind his sister, Patricia Deslauriers of FL and brother, Donald (Karen) of RI, sister-in-laws, Linda, Sharon and Charlotte and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by Linda Fontaine (Kobani) and siblings, Lorraine, Jeanne, Richard, Bobby, Jerry and Paul.

Ed was self-employed, owning two gas stations in Woonsocket, Powell Motors Car Sales in North Smithfield and most recently a small engine repair business. He had a passion for fixing engines and could take any motor apart, put it back together and be sure there would be parts left over (“you don’t need those”). Anytime you told him what was wrong with your car his first and most common response was “ehh they all do that” but he could fix anything (“if it doesn’t have spark it can’t run”).

Edgar was an US Army Veteran, avid New York Yankees and Pete Rose fan and proud member of the Smithfield Elks. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends and loved his trips to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach, Washington, DC, Florida and the home of Elvis, the King- Graceland.

He enjoyed good food, good beer, old music and his cars. Always a Cadillac and a long history of El Camino’s! He loved playing cards, going to car auctions and hanging with his long time friends, Ralph, Danny and Alan and missed his friend Dennis dearly since his passing one year ago. Everywhere he went he would see a friendly face and the stories began, changing a little each time they were told. Pep and his stories will be missed by so many!

The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful caregivers from both the Providence VA and Hope Hospice who took such compassionate and wonderful care of him.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Keene-Brown Funeral Home, 445 Greenville Rd., North Smithfield, RI.

Visitation will be Saturday, 5/31/2025, from 9:00 -12:00 PM with  a presentation by the Elks of the Lodge of Sorrows at 11:30 AM. followed by a Prayer Service at 12:00 PM with Military Honors outside the funeral home at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, (https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/campaign/686282/donate), and Heroes in Transition, 22 Bates Road, Mashpee, MA, (http://heroesintransition.org/), would be greatly appreciated.