Father Andrew J. Fontanella, retired pastor of Saint Patrick Church, Carlisle, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Alice B. Tawes Nursing Home in Crisfield, Maryland. He was 86. Born March 30, 1928 in Patterson, New Jersey, he was a son of the late Andrew J. and Lucy Vuolo Fontanella.

After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1949 from Don Bosco College in Newton, NJ, he attended Saint Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1956 for the Diocese of Harrisburg. Father Fontanella served as Director of the Diocesan Office of Planning from 1973-76. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. His pastoral appointments included Saint Francis of Assisi - Harrisburg, PA, Saint Peter - Mt. Carmel, PA, Assumption B.V.M. - Lebanon, PA, Corpus Christi - Chambersburg, PA, Saint Joan of Arc - Hershey, PA, Holy Spirit - Palmyra, PA, Holy Family - Harrisburg, PA and finally Saint Patrick in Carlisle, PA for 27 years until his retirement in 2003. At Saint Patrick's he was responsible for the expansion of the Parish, construction of the Parish Activity Center which is named in his honor, and the restoration of the Shrine Church. Following his retirement and move to Crisfield, he assisted Saint Elizabeth's in Westover, Holy Name of Jesus in Pocomoke City, and several other Eastern shore parishes.

Father Fontanella was a boating enthusiast who enjoyed boating all over the Chesapeake Bay. He was also an avid golfer and a crossword puzzle aficionado. He was a poet, philosopher, writer, theologian but most of all a pastor dedicated to serving the faithful and building community.

He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Joan Fontanella of Totowa, NJ, and Renee Fontanella of Toms River, NJ; and 20 nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Celeste Cervino, Josephine Micozzi, Loretta Massaro, Richard Fontanella, Alfred Fontanella and Dr. Stephen Fontanella.

A viewing will be held Friday, October 17, 2014 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Dr., Carlisle, from 5:30 - 7:00 PM followed by Mass of Remembrance at 7:00 PM. A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Dr., Carlisle, from 9:00 - 10:30 AM followed by Mass of Burial at 10:30 AM. A reception will immediately follow in the Reverend Andrew J. Fontanella Parish Activity Center. Internment will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 18th at the Shrine Church Cemetery, 152 E. Pomfret St., Carlisle. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to "Saint Patrick Church" for the debt reduction of the Reverend Andrew J. Fontanella Parish Activity Center. Memorials may be sent to Saint Patrick Church, 152 E. Pomfret St., Carlisle, PA 17013. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is in charge of arrangements.