Robert "Frenchy" LaFontaine

He was born on July 3, 1941, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Emile Lafontaine and Sophie Camara LaFontaine.

In 1960, he married Jannette Winterhoff. They shared 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2023.

Frenchy proudly served in the United States Air Force for 22 years. During his distinguished military career, he served as a parachute rigger in Southeast Asia and later as a Management Analyst in Honolulu, Hawaii, before retiring from the Air Force in 1980. He served his country and fellow Airmen with honor and dedication.

Committed to lifelong learning, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii in 1989. After retiring from the military, he continued his service to the United States Air Force as a Management Analyst in the civil service until his retirement in 2013.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jannette Winterhoff Lafontaine; his parents, Emile and Sophie Camara Lafontaine; and his grandson, Micah Knox.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna Lafontaine Keifer and her husband, James Keifer, of Evans, Georgia, and Dana Lafontaine Knox and her husband, Robert E. Knox, of Indian Land, South Carolina; his wife, Joan Cobb, of Fort Monroe, Virginia; his grandchildren, Alex Keifer of Alexandria, Virginia, Abigail Keifer Fohringer and her husband, Reinhard Fohringer, of Austria, and Noah Knox of Indian Land, South Carolina; and his great-granddaughter, Nora Fohringer, of Austria. He also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23666. The family will receive friends in the chapel from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a time of fellowship at The Chamberlin Hotel, 2 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651.

He enjoyed trains, golf, billiards, and cribbage, and held a deep affection for Hawaii and its culture.

Frenchy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his faithful service to his country, and the kindness and integrity with which he lived his life. His legacy of love, honor, and commitment will continue to inspire all who knew him.