It’s the ones who live quietly whom you should take time to notice. For often, their greatness is concealed. Peter Fontana was one of them.
Peter Robert Fontana, a longtime Marsh Creek resident, passed away last week. A familiar figure on Fiddlers Point Drive, he used to walk his dog frequently to keep fit, determined to fight the ravages of age. Once, after a setback in his mid 80’s that required major surgery, this diminutive gentleman rebounded and trained hard so he could return to his birth country and once again climb those picturesque hills of Switzerland.
Peter Fontana had an extraordinary life of academic achievement and notable research and patents (see below). Three things, however, made him proudest. The first was his marriage to his wife, Shay; the second was the adoption of their two daughters; and the third was their joint accomplishment of founding and helping fund Fontana Village, an orphanage in Haiti, through their Hope for Haiti Foundation.
In 2020, their care and generosity led them to help bring a young Haitian boy, Devon,to Florida for life saving surgery that led to an adoptive family. (The two highlights will take you to two Spoonbill Courier stories).
This unassuming man’s passing signals the loss of a giant who once quietly walked this earth.
Peter Fontana’s obituary is below.
Peter Fontana 1935-2026
Peter Robert Fontana, a beloved husband, father, and esteemed professor of physics, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at the Bailey Family Center for Caring in Saint Augustine, Florida, at the age of 90. Born to Rene’ and Mathilda Fontana on April 20, 1935, in Berne, Switzerland, Peter’s life journey was guided by a profound sense of purpose and faith that led him across continents and into the hearts of many.
During World War II, Peter lived with his family in the small village of Mueren, Switzerland. A gifted student, he was a graduate of the Swiss Institute of Technology with a Bachelor Degree in Physics, a Masters Degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and a Ph.D. from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He was a Research Associate, Assistant Professor and Professor at the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan and Oregon State University. His research was published extensively and led to several patents and professional accomplishments that are too many to list. Peter’s life, however, was defined not only by his achievements in academia but also by his deep faith in God.
While in Corvallis, Oregon Peter met the love of his life, Shay Nelson (McCarthy), who was working as a high school teacher. Peter and Shay married on June 30, 1984, laying the foundation for a life of adventure and shared mission. Together, they adopted two daughters, Erika and Laura, whom they cherished and nurtured with unwavering love.
In 1994, after an encounter with a Missionary to Haiti and a week long trip to Haiti, Peter and Shay answered God’s call on their life to missions. They relocated to Saint Augustine, Florida and established a mission in Haiti, where they sponsored schools, initiated a feeding program, and built an orphanage known as Fontana Village. Throughout their journey, they witnessed countless miracles of provision and protection, bringing hope and sustenance to children and families in need. He received numerous grants through Rotary International for Haiti and was the recipient of many awards including the Paul Harris Service above Self Award as well as in 2004 Good Samaritan Award from Catholic Charities. The couple’s contributions to Haiti included the construction of a church and a school that provided daily meals to children. The mission, also known as Hope for Haiti, has impacted the lives of more than a thousand children over 30 years.
In addition to his parents, Peter was preceded in death by a brother, Mario Fontana. Peter is survived by his best friend and wife of 42 years, Shay Fontana of St. Augustine; daughters, Erika Fontana and her husband Michael, of St. Augustine, and Laura Fontana and her husband Matteo, of Eugene, Oregon; a sister, Evelyne “Evi” Delaca of Switzerland; a sister-in-law, Elsa Fontana also of Switzerland; and a brother, Francesco Fontana of Miami.
Peter leaves behind a legacy of love, intellect, and faith that will resonate for generations to come.
A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Anastasia Baptist Church.
Donations in honor of Peter can be made at fontanavillagehaiti.org
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
