In Memory of

Bernard

E

"Bernie"

Fonza

Obituary for Bernard E "Bernie" Fonza

Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes 4000 S. W. 119th Oklahoma City, OK

Visitation Thursday and Friday from 4-8 PM at the funeral home

Wake Services 6:30 PM Friday at the funeral home

Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Saturday, September 16, 2017 at St James the Greater Catholic Church
4201 S. McKinley Oklahoma City, OK

Bernard Edward Fonza, lovingly called “Bernie” by his family and friends, entered Heaven’s gates on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at the age of 92. The son of Benjamin Edward and Grace Mary (Shero) Fonza, Bernie was born November 15, 1924 in Syracuse, New York. Bernie graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Syracuse, New York in 1942. Later in 1944, Bernie married his sweetheart, “Scotty” and together moved to Virginia. He joined the United States Navy and he honorably served his country in the US Naval Air Corp and in the US Marines. He provided a warm and loving home for his wife and 3 daughters, by working in Air Traffic Control at the National Airport (Reagan Airport) in Washington D.C. In 1960, the family relocated to Oklahoma City, where Bernie continued working for the Federal Aviation Administration as an instructor until his retirement in 1980, retiring as an instructor of 20 years. After retiring from Federal Aviation Administration, Bernie worked for ICAO in Saudi Arabia for over 4 years. For nearly 60 years, Bernie has been a faithful and very active member of St James the Greater Catholic Church, where he helped found the Knights of Columbus Council #5759 in Oklahoma City at St. James in the early 1960's. Bernie served at the State Deputy twice for the Knights of Columbus and was also a Council Member. In the past, Bernie enjoyed woodworking and enjoyed decorating his home with Christmas lights when the holiday season was upon us. Bernie volunteered at Integris Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center for about 5 years as a greeter. One of Bernie's favorite pastimes was visiting the casino with his friends and family. Bernie moved in to Village on the Park not long after his wife's passing in 2012 and made some great friends and many fond memories during his time there. The family would like to thank the staff at Village on the Park and Golden Age Home Health for their tremendous level of care and compassion. Bernie will be deeply missed.

Bernie was preceded in death by his:
Parents, Benjamin and Grace Fonza;
Beloved wife of 68 years, Scotty Fonza;
Grandson, Chad Peery;
Brother, Don Fonza.

Bernie leaves behind his loving family:
Daughter, Carole Gore and her husband, Bill;
Daughter, Linda de la Garza and her husband, Michael;
Daughter, Janet Peery and her husband, Greg;
Daughter, Sandy Sears and her husband, Don;
Sister, Beverly Warren;
Ten Grandchildren;
Seventeen Great Grandchildren;
Many other extended family and dear friends.

Affiliations


Knights of Columbus 4th Degree

US Marine Corps

US Navy