Mr. Eddie Joseph Rontell

Eddie J. Rontell passed away peacefully on August 20, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 88. Ed was born in Fresno, CA to Louis and Ida Rontell, Italian immigrants who settled on a small farm in the Easton area. Ed attended Washington Union High School for only a few months, dropping out early due to the early death of his father. He worked odd jobs in farm labor and eventually became a fireman at Hammer Field in Fresno during World War II. Ed tried his hand at opening an auto repair shop on Ventura Street and sold a few cars, launching him into a 53 year career as a successful car dealer in Downtown Fresno. He relocated to Divisadero Street. While selling used cars, he experimented with imported new car franchises such as Borgward, Simca, Alfa Romeo and Jaguar. Ed settled in with Datsun/Nissan and Volvo for the decades to come. Upon his retirement in 2002, Ed was the oldest original Datsun/Nissan dealer in the country and one of the oldest Volvo franchisees. Ed ran an honest and ethical business and strived for great customer service. His business logo read, "Rontell's, A Trusted Name in Automobiles." It was not uncommon during his retirement years for loyal generations of customers to come up to him and say that not only did they buy a car from him, but their parents and grandparents did as well.

Ed was a community leader for decades, volunteering for many nonprofit organizations including the Northern California Cancer Program board, Fresno Metropolitan Museum development chairman, Fresno Community Hospital board, Fresno Chamber of Commerce board, San Joaquin College of Law board, Fresno Downtown Club president, UC Valley Medical Education Foundation board, CaP CURE Prostate Cancer Foundation board and a Rotary Club of Fresno member. One of the projects he was most proud of was heading up the restoration of St. John's Cathedral in downtown Fresno with his good friend, the late Bishop Steinbock. Ed was also a very active philanthropist, quietly and anonymously donating to hundreds of nonprofits and charities in Fresno and throughout California. Ed also was interested in the area of alternative medicine and served on numerous committees and boards, helping with funding and reviewing treatment protocols. Ed enjoyed collecting classic and exotic imported cars and enjoyed entering car shows. His favorite was his yellow Daytona, and you could see him on early Saturday mornings shifting through the gears of that 12 cylinder Ferrari engine. He also enjoyed tennis and golf with his close circle of friends. Ed was a quiet and spiritual man. As a devoted Catholic, he attended Mass every morning. He lived a life of honesty, family, integrity and charity. He was preceded in death by his daughter Cathie Ann Rontell; and son, Eddie J. Rontell Jr.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Margie Rontell; his son, Steve Rontell and wife Michelle; daughters, Marilyn Rontell, Carol Andrews and husband Glenn Andrews; Ed also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and a great-grandchild.In respect of Ed's wishes, a private Catholic Mass and Memorial Service for the family was held. Charitable donations in memory of Ed Rontell may be made to The Poverello House, 412 F St., Fresno, CA 93706; or the donor's favorite charity.