Harold Fontaine

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harold B. Fontaine, who left us on Saturday, August 30, 2025. He was 83 years young. Harold was born on June 5, 1942, in Gardner, Massachusetts, to Romeo and Mary Fontaine. He was the epitome of hard work, dedication, and love, building a life that touched countless people with his generosity and remarkable skill. He had a unique gift for making everyone feel at home while enjoying the company of his many friends, whom he considered family.

From an early age, Harold displayed a natural talent for craftsmanship, and under the guidance of skilled mentors and friends, he began to pave his way into the field of masonry. His passion for the craft led him to establish what would become one of the most respected and sought-after masonry construction companies in North Central Massachusetts. What began as Fontaine Excavation eventually grew into Fontaine and Son after the birth of his son, Harold, a name that reflected his pride in both his work and his family.

The family business transitioned from Fontaine and Son to Castlerock Masonry to Savoie Home Improvement & Masonry reflecting the generational transition to son Harold and then grandson Mitchell. Harold was a mentor to many, assisting them with developing skills and encouraging them to go out on their own to establish their own businesses.

Harold's hands were never idle. Whether he was building, fixing, solving, or creating, there was nothing he couldn’t do. A true jack-of-all-trades, he approached every task with a resourcefulness and energy that was unmatched. Beyond his work, Harold had a zest for life that was contagious. When not working, Harold could be found fishing, hunting, tinkering with his automotive toys, wood working, cutting down 140 foot trees in the narrowest of spaces, and nurturing his beautiful vegetable garden with his children.

Harold often shared cooking, canning, wine making, and baking the most amazing cream puffs alongside his significant other Donna. They loved crafting and creating wood based projects, and finding treasures at yard sales.

But perhaps what Harold treasured most was the time spent with his family. A proud father and devoted patriarch, Harold beamed with pride at the accomplishments of each member of his large, close-knit family. His love and guidance will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

Harold was known to his grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Papa” and what a Papa he was! Papa and Donna’s Farm was a wonderland of animals from cows, pigs, chickens, goats, horses, peacocks, sheep, goats, ducks, dogs and cats. He was the king of tractor, truck, four wheeler and go-kart rides.

Harold is survived by his significant other, Donna Lorman; his sister, Garnet Fontaine; his children, Kim Savoie and her husband Shawn, Michelle Fontaine and her wife Mimi Madan, Harold W. Fontaine and his wife Jen, and Mary Fontaine.

He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Mitchell Savoie and his wife Sarah, Adam Savoie and his wife Amy, Jay Savoie and his fiancée Amber Chabot, Vanessa Hernandez and her husband Ruben, Morgan Fontaine and her significant other Eric Doran, Delaney Fontaine, Camryn Fontaine, Evan Matos, and Landen Matos.

His legacy lives on through his great-grandchildren: Aliyah, Carver, Greyson, Lorena, Ayda, Ruben, Addilynn, Kaben, Everett, and soon-to-be Carly along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Harold was predeceased by his wife, Jane, and his brothers, Pete, Rodney, Joe, Jay, and Robbie.

The family will be holding a private service to honor Harold’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s name to the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp, Massachusetts Wildlife and Fisheries.

We’ll miss you more than words can say. You weren’t just a part of our lives, you helped shape them. Your memory will live on in the stories we share and the lessons you taught us. Rest easy, you will never be forgotten.