Peter Donald Fonberg

Peter was born on December 20, 1929, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Rose & Louis Fonberg. His widowed mother moved her family to Dallas when he was 3 months old to be with their large extended family.

There was little money in his early life and Peter spent his childhood and adolescence delivering papers, selling shoes and working in his uncle Nathan’s grocery, always surrounded by a large, loving circle of extended family and friends. He attended Forest High School and SMU and served in the Air Force. He was proud to have been a Shriner for over 60 years. Prior to becoming a successful real estate investor and banker, Peter was a home builder who gained great pleasure in working with young families buying their first homes. He was honored to be elected to be the President of the Dallas Homebuilders Association.

He married the love of his life, Tootsie (Elaine) Fonberg and they shared 56 happy years. Together they built a wonderful life together that was focused on their three children, Beverly, Mitchell and Anita, who were the center of their lives. They had a large circle of friends, loved entertaining and were notorious to host grandkids’ sleepovers and parties for various organizations always including their children, grandchildren and any friends who had nothing else to do. During the Dallas summers, they spent time in their California home where they added a bevy of new friends and used as a base for travel. Following Tootsie’s death, Peter found love again with Stephanie Ross, his dedicated companion with whom he shared 11 years of laughter, travel, golf and friends.

In addition to his love of sports, fine clothes, dancing and convertibles, faith and Congregation Shearith Israel were central to his life. He served the synagogue in many capacities including President and provided financial resources to insure that the synagogue would be a place that families could find a sense of belonging and faith in future generations. He also supported the Jewish Federation and other community agencies .

He is survived by his children Beverly Ginsburg (Charles), Mitchell Fonberg (Caryn), Anita Chanon (Todd), grandchildren Jason Friedman (Nadia), Eric Friedman (Ilona), Jaclyn Charap (Alex), Courtney Katz (Josh), Max Chanon (Caitlin), Rachel Chanon, Blake Fonberg, Jenna Fonberg, great-grandsons Brody Katz, Harry Friedman, Cooper Charap and Roman Wolf Friedman and loyal longtime family friend, Roberta Burnett.

The family is profoundly grateful to Kaffy, Hanna, Yvonne, Joy and Fumi, the loving and devoted caretakers who provided him wonderful care and companionship and to Dr. Namirah Jamshed & the whole team at UTSW who cared for him. Thanks to to his devoted PT Kristen.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2:30pm at Congregation Shearith Israel, 9401 Douglas Ave.

Please make any donations in memory of his illustrious life to Congregation Shearith Israel Foundation or to UTSW.