David Fontana, 37, died on his 8th wedding anniversary. He had just finished a 24-hour shift but raced to the WTC when he learned of the attack. His wife stepped up to a leadership role in the September 11th Widows and Families Association.
With a college degree in sculpture, Fontana was “intensely involved” with the Staten Island arts community, working several days a week in the studio. Every year he made elaborate Halloween costumes for himself and his 5-year-old son. This “man’s man” volunteered with the Boy Scouts and read to kids . His skills and interests included tying knots, kayaking, yoga, history, Ireland, the ocean, hawks and rock climbing. His mother-in-law wrote that he was “one of the most talented and unpretentious people I have ever met.” Like many others, he received a posthumous promotion.