Father Andrew J. Fontanella, retired Catholic Priest of Crisfield, MD and formerly of Carlisle, PA, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home. He was 86.

Born March 30, 1928 in Paterson, 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 St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, PA and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1956 for the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA.

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 St. Francis of Assisi - Harrisburg, PA, St. Peter's - Mt. Carmel, PA, Assumption B.V.M. - Lebanon, PA, Corpus Christi - Chambersburg, PA, St. Joan of Arc - Hershey, PA, Holy Spirit – Palmyra, PA, Holy Family – Harrisburg, PA and finally St. Patrick' s in Carlisle, PA for 27 years until his retirement in 2003. At St. Patrick's he was responsible for the expansion of the Parish, construction of the Activities Center which is named in his honor, and the restoration of the Shrine Church. Following his retirement and move Crisfield, he assisted St. Elizabeth's in Westover, MD, Holy Name of Jesus in Pocomoke City, MD and several other Eastern Shore of MD 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 is survived by two sisters-in-law, Joan Fontanella of Totowa, NJ and Renee Fontanella of Toms River, NJ; and 20 nieces and nephews; and 31 great-nieces and great-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.

Viewings will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Westover, MD from 2-4 PM and at Holy Name of Jesus in Pocomoke, MD from 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Bishop W. Francis Malooly of Wilmington and Father William J. Porter will be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 11 AM at Holy Name of Jesus in Pocomoke, MD where another viewing will be held from 9:30 until service time at 11.

In Carlisle, PA a viewing will be held Friday, October 17, 2014 from 5:30 to 7 PM with a Mass at 7 PM at St. Patrick's Church, 52 Marsh Drive. There will also be a viewing on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 9 to 10:30 AM where a Mass will be held at 11 AM also at St. Patrick's Church with a reception following. Interment will follow the reception at 3 PM at the St. Patrick's Shrine Church Cemetery.

In Paterson, NJ friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial mass to celebrate the life of Fr. Andrew Fontanella on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at St. Michael's R.C. Church at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seton Center, P.O. Box 401, Princess Anne, MD 21853; or St. Patrick's Church, 52 Marsh Drive, Carlisle, PA 17015.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com