Gregory Alan Fontaine

The brass section of Heaven’s Holy Band gained a brand-new trumpeter, Gregory Alan Fontaine, the morning of October 4, 2026.

From those that drove around the corner to those that traveled 630 miles away, he was surrounded by family and friends until he finished his race and made his way to his seat in the band.

Struggling to leave those he loved behind, after much reassurance, he took the step of faith that led him into the arms of Jesus.

Greg was born in Alliance, Ohio to Paul and Betty Jane (Flitcraft) Fontaine. His mother was instrumental in taking him to church and introducing him to Jesus. She taught him to mind his manners or risk being removed from the church service with a gentle tug of his ear. His father gave him his love for cars, from GTOs to Volkswagens, to everything in between. His love for Jesus and cars has and will continue to be passed down through generations. Greg would often tell stories of the past, from playing with his siblings in the warm sun on Geneva-on-the-Lake to eating hamburgers and fries and fighting the flies at Eddie’s Grill. His older brother Tim, always looking out for him, bought his first trumpet, his first car, and the electric wheelchair that allowed him to move freely when his legs failed. His younger years were spent with brother Bill, his best friend and partner in crime, causing trouble on the streets of Alliance. Many of these stories included Danny, his fourth brother. The fondest memory: riding the wheels off their rented tandem bike through town.

Meeting at State Street Middle School in the 8th grade, Greg caught the eye of Kandise wearing his khaki pants that fit him just right. It was love at first sight from that moment on. In a journal entry from October 3, 1971, his now wife of 55 years, Kandise Fontaine, wrote: “I love him very much, he is my whole life.”

Greg graduated from Alliance High School in 1970. During his high school years, he worked at the Pontiac garage, Gastown, and with his father at the Pennzoil Station. After graduation, he opened with Kirk Singer Volkswagen where he trained and worked as a mechanic. From there he went to Clem Lumber, starting as a garage mechanic and working his way up to Operations Manager. Upon leaving Clem’s, he worked as a salesman at Sarchoine. Other highlights of his career include manager of Econolube, auto teacher for Alliance Adult Education, Worship Director at First Christian Church, and many other side hustles too numerous to list.

Work was not the only thing that kept Greg busy. He had three of the most beautiful girls who brought him much joy and happiness and songs filled with harmony and Jesus from the back of the red station wagon. It would be wrong not to mention these same beautiful girls would often eat his last piece of bologna. Greg and Candy took all three girls to the Nazarene Church where they fell in love with Jesus and sang in the choirs he led, which often resulted in gold medals. Greg had more than just his three girls, he had many other children and teens that called him Dad. To expand his band, six grandchildren were added. One by one they took their seat on the stage. With microphone in hand, they sang praise songs to Jesus. Many of these moments were had at The Rock, the downtown ministry started by Greg and his sister, Pam. While they sang, their grandfather’s eyes and smile shone bright now that the band was complete. Grandpa spent his days filled with family activities like trips to Mohican, numerous school events, and falling asleep in pick-up lines. Even when his legs failed him, no steps, long walks, or any amount of distance could keep him from making his way to a field to watch his youngest granddaughter play soccer. Now he has the best view at every game.

Greg is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kandise Fontaine (Haslar); daughters: Jennifer (Roger), Heather, and Natalie (Shawn); and grandchildren: Carson (Brianna), Tyler (Dae), Cali (Trevor), Alexa (Gus), Ethan, and Ava; and those he loved as grandchildren: Mady, Bo, J’zen, Andrew, Chris, and Zellie. He is also survived by siblings Tim (Karen), Pam, Jim, Danny, and sister-in-law Diana. He also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Betty Fontaine, brother Bill, sister Paula, and other loved ones he counted as family.

He will truly be missed by all those who loved him. He left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path and will no doubt be playing his trumpet while he waits for each of us to join the band.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at a later date.