Walter Fontanella, designer; Tomasina Fontanella, artist

Walter Fontanella, 83, and the love of his life, Tomasina Fontanella, 85, died 10 days apart after a happy 58-year marriage. The couple lived in Havertown for many years.

Mr. Fontanella had long been ill with cancer when he died Saturday, Jan. 16, at Vitas Hospice at Jefferson Methodist Hospital.

Mrs. Fontanella's death in her sleep at home on Wednesday, Jan. 6, was unexpected, the family said.

It was perhaps fitting that they should exit almost together, since they were inseparable in life; they indulged in opera, art, and travel, and in their latter years took classes together at Villanova University.

The two met in their early 20s, when "my father was taking English and my mother Italian at a language school in South Philadelphia," said daughter Adrienne.

They married in 1957 and made their home in Havertown until later moving to Haverford.

The son of Pietro and Ermenia Fontanella, Mr. Fontanella was born in Venice, Italy, and moved to the United States at age 21. He quickly learned English and became an American success story.

A piping designer, he designed nuclear power plants for 20 years. He worked for the DuPont Co., started his own business, and finally designed high-rise buildings for A.T. Chadwick Co. in Bensalem before retiring in 2007.

Mrs. Fontanella, known as "Tommy," was born in Philadelphia, the eldest daughter of Adeline and Dominic Lammendola. After raising two children, she returned to school and earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

An accomplished artist, she studied at the Barnes Foundation and under the master watercolorist Domenic DiStefano. She was a signature member of the Philadelphia Water Color Society and the American Watercolor Society in New York.

Mr. Fontanella played classical guitar and was an accomplished singer of Italian songs, a political activist, and a lover of fine food. He was always eager to help his family and friends.

"An optimist, he believed anything was possible," his family said in a tribute. "His Old World charm was contagious, and his gentle nature, sparkling green eyes, and engaging smile immediately put new acquaintances at ease."

Mrs. Fontanella was passionate about art - her paintings reflect her vibrant, colorful personality. "Although petite in stature, she had a larger-than-life personality and loved to tell funny stories about her many adventures," her family said. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed music and anything Italian.

Both were devoted to their children, and exceptionally proud of their accomplishments in business and academia.

In addition to their daughter, the two are survived by daughter Cynthia; a grandson; and nieces and nephews. Mrs. Fontanella is also survived by a sister.

A viewing for the couple is to be held Friday, Jan. 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m. Funeral Mass, at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, 2401 St. Denis Lane, Havertown. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Macula Vision Research Foundation, 100 Front St., Suite 300, West Conshohocken, Pa. 19428, or via www.mvrf.org.

bcook@phillynews.com

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