Ernest John "Jack" Fontanella, 71, of Berlin, died Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at Hartford Hospital surrounded by family after a brief illness. Jack was born in Meriden on February 27, 1942 to the late Ernest and Theresa (Davella) Fontanella. He grew up in Southington and graduated from Southington High School in 1959. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Fairfield University in 1963. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1967 and retired as a Lt. Commander from the Navel Reserves. He was a local businessman for 40 years, owner of Fontanella Distributers, a Connecticut beer wholesaler. Jack was a fun-loving, generous person who enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing and gardening. He also loved spending time with friends and family. He was an active member of the Meriden Lions Club for nearly 40 years and served as club President from 1997 - 1998. He is survived by daughter Kate Fontanella of Cambridge, Mass, and daughter and son-in-law Amy and Brian Hurley of Needham, Mass., grandchildren Lina and Connor Hurley, and his former wife Jan Fontanella.