Vincent W. Fonti, 88

Vincent W. Fonti, of Plover, died April 10, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston. He was 88.

Vincent was born July 23, 1936, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph and Catherine (née Aiello) Fonti. He grew up in the area, attended local schools, played football, and worked as a caddie at a golf course, where he developed a lifelong ability to relate to people. He graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1954.

Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. During his service, he trained as an appliance repair technician. While stationed at Truax Field in Madison, he met Mary (née Emmerich), and they were married in 1959. The couple shared nearly 60 years of marriage until Mary’s death in 2018. Together, they raised five children and instilled in them a strong Catholic faith.

To support his family, Vincent worked as an appliance technician at American TV. His initiative led to a role in sales, and in 1969, he co-founded Appliancemart in Madison with partner Pete Gambino. In 1984, he moved to Stevens Point and opened Furniture and Appliance Mart with his son Bill, later expanding the business with sons Vinnie and Joe in 1989. He retired in 2002, passing the company on to his sons. The business now includes 16 stores statewide and continues to be supported by his daughter and grandchildren.

Vincent was known for his leadership, outgoing personality, and dedication to his family. In retirement, he cherished time with loved ones. His final days were spent surrounded by family, sharing memories and laughter.

Survivors include his children, Joe (Karen) Fonti, Bill (Natthita) Fonti, Laurie (Steve) Snyder, and Vincent (Kay) Fonti Jr.; grandchildren, Chelsea (Peter) Kubica, Natalie Snyder, Tony Snyder, Katie (Alex Coyne) Fonti, Kristine (Joey) Kurth, Nick Fonti, Vincent Fonti III, Kyleigh Fonti, Ben Fonti, Rose Fonti, and PC Fonti; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dorlena Tomei.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, and a daughter, Theresa Fonti.

The family extends its gratitude to Annie Landrath, Vincent’s partner of the past five years, for her love and companionship, and to his daughter Laurie for her continued support.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St. in Weston. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point, and again at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Portage County Boys and Girls Club at www.bgclubpc.org.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.