William "Bill" J. Fontaine

FONTAINE, William J. “Bill”, Battalion Chief, CCFD (Ret.)

61, of Howard Avenue, Coventry, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Kent Hospital, Warwick.

He was the beloved husband of Laurie C. Smith.  Born in Providence, a son of Jeanne M. (Fontaine) Finnerty of Hope and the late Edward F. Finnerty.

Bill was the former proprietor of Bill’s Package Store in the Harris section of Coventry for twenty years.  He joined the Harris Fire Department in 1980, several years later he became the Chief of the Department in 1988 and served as Chief until the Harris Fire Department merged with the Central Coventry Fire Department in 2006.  He stepped down as Chief of the Harris Fire Department and became a Battalion Chief for the Central Coventry Fire Department until his retirement.  He did this for the betterment of the Town of Coventry. He loved boating and his two dogs, Penny and Chiefy.

Besides his wife and mother he leaves several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 10:00 am in SS. John and James Church, 20 Washington Street, West Warwick.  Interment will be private.  Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 pm in the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick.  MASKS ARE REQUIRED.  In lieu of flowers contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) in his memory would be appreciated.  Information and condolences, please visit: www.PrataGallogly.com

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