BURRILLVILLE – A former rescue captain for the Harrisville Fire Department and recipient of the Hero Fireman of the Year award has died this month at the age of 80.
Raymond Fontaine of Harrisville died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Grandview Center in Cumberland.
Born in Woonsocket, Fontaine was the son of Irene (Berry) and Roland Fontaine.
Fontaine’s lifelong career was in all aspects of construction, which he did for many years. He was a member of the Woonsocket Fire Department, and during that time, on May 4, 1966, he was recognized as a Hero Fireman of the Year, for catching a toddler tossed by a mother from a third-story burning home.
Later, after moving to Harrisville, he volunteered for the Harrisville Fire Department, where he proved to be a great leader and mentor and eventually became rescue captain, according to a notice published by his family.
He was known by many and often referred to as “Mayor” of Harrisville according to the family.
He is predeceased by his grandson, Joshua Raymond Harnois. Fontaine is survived by his wife of Harrisville; a brother, Andre Fontaine and wife Elaine of North Smithfield and Naples, FL; daughters: Nicole Fontaine, and companion James Robinson, of Harrisville and Renee Bonoyeur and husband Kevin of Florida; grandchildren David and Meagan; great-grandchildren: Nevaeh and Adyhi and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
His memorial service at a later date will be private as requested by the family and entrusted to the Boucher Funeral Home, at 272 Sayles Ave. in Pascoag.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Harrisville Hose Company #1, 201 Callahan School St, Harrisville, RI 02830