Staff Sergeant Christian Ellis Fontaine

Staff Sergeant Christian Ellis Fontaine, age 25, of Norfolk, VA,  passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025. Born March 9th, 2000,  in Pascagoula, MS to the late Douglass Latimer Fontaine, II and JoAnne Colotta Fontaine of  Moss Point. 

Christian lived a life defined by service, adventure, and a love for the outdoors. When Christian was 8 years old he embarked on a new adventure with his family and moved to Yorktown, VA, while remaining close to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and his love for water.  In  2018 he became a proud Eagle Scout,  and carried the values of leadership, resilience, and commitment into every part of his life. While in high school he was on the Debate team, a member of the Beta Club, the National Honor Society and the Welding Club.   He graduated with highest honors from Tabb High School and later that same year Christian answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Through discipline, determination, and leadership, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant where he commanded his unit on amphibious assault vehicles and was a black belt instructor.  

Mr. Fontaine was also active in his church life at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA serving as a lay reader, chalice bearer, and usher. He volunteered with the men’s group where he helped cook church meals, making his grandmother’s famous seafood gumbo.  Helping with special projects to clean and improve the church building and volunteering with the winter shelter that served the homeless, gave Christian a sense of pride and understanding  for those less fortunate.  He also had a gift for sharing deep conversations with church members where he would lend a kind ear. He seldom said no when he was asked to help with a church project. 

He pursued his passion for innovation and discovery by seeking a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University.  While in college Christian was a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Turning Point and  the ODU swimming club.  He was a 1st Degree Black Belt, Certified Master Diver, and earned numerous other diving certifications.  

His sharp mind, curiosity, and drive inspired those around him, and he was admired for his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Friends and family recall his adventurous nature in his love of fishing, hunting, diving, cooking and watching Ole Miss sports!  

Mr. Fontaine is survived by his mother, JoAnne Colotta Fontaine of Moss Point; siblings, Douglass Latimer Fontaine, III of New Orleans, LA and Elizabeth Fontaine Bucken (Stephen) of Tampa, FL; one niece, Allison Ruth Bucken; and his fiancee, Ryane Marie Long of Williamsburg, VA.  He is also survived by six uncles, James Ellis Colotta, Henry Domino Colotta, John Alan Colotta, Dr. Terry Andrew Colotta (Sharon), Michael Van Colotta, and Patrick Lamar Fontaine (Amanda); three aunts, Mary Elizabeth Colotta, Stacy Leigh Jordan (Dr. Rob), Rebecca Van Fontaine; and many cousins, friends, and loved ones.  

Christian will be deeply missed by his family, friends, military and church families, and all those whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 PM Friday, August 29, 2025, at O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula, MS.

 The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 30, 2025 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Pascagoula. Interment will follow at Machpelah Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make memorial contributions to one of the following:  St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3507 Pine Street, Pascagoula, MS, 39567; St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1009 W. Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23597; or Camp Bratton Green, 1530 Way Rd., Canton, MS 39046.  

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