Robert M. Fontaine died on Nov. 28, 2022, surrounded by his family in hospice care at Orlando Health Doctor P. Phillips Hospital. He peacefully closed another chapter of his life after a prolonged illness while on vacation. He was 72.

He was born in Lowell on May 19, 1950 to Rita and Raymond Fontaine. He was the eldest of their six children and was followed by Priscille, Diane, Raymond, Joanne and David. He was known to his family and friends as Bob or Bobby.

He spent his early years in Lowell, first attending Saint Louis de France grammar school and then Saint Joseph’s High School, graduating as a National Honor Society member in the top five per cent of his class in 1968. He was active in sports most of his life and excelled in football and track, and lettered in basketball.

As an older man he liked watching sports as much as playing them. The outdoor beckoned to him. He and his friends often tramped through the woods, and going camping and fishing.

He earned a degree in electronics technology from Northern Essex Community College. However, his real talent lay in construction — something he started tinkering with in his teen years that would become his lifelong career.

In September 1971 he married his high school sweetheart Barbara Boisvert and together they made a home and started a family. In 1986, their journey carried them to the shores of Martha’s Vineyard, where they raised their children and he continued his trade.

Around the time of his family’s move to the Island, Bob started to explore his spirituality. He enjoyed going to museums and zoos to learn more about the natural world and he spent hours in his gardens. This led to a study of the Bible and the Creator who made such things. In January 1988 he was baptized and became a minister as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A new chapter began in his life and it sustained him in the end as a man of faith who shared his hope of a better world with others. Rest in peace, Bob, until the next chapter begins.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Fontaine; their children Jennifer Fragosa, Aaron Fontaine, Holly Lawyer and their spouses; and grandchildren Briana Fragosa and Emily, Payton, Kylie and Ryder Lawyer. He will be missed by his siblings, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and youngest brother David.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 48 State Road in West Tisbury. Those who wish to attend but cannot travel can do so via Zoom, using ID 841 5110 6392 and password Fontaine.