August 25, 2005


Candlelight vigil set for Fri. Oct. 28—fourth anniversary
of Jeffrey Fontana’s death

On Friday, Oct. 28, Sandy and Tony Fontana will join fellow officers, family, friends, and community members for a fourth candlelight vigil—the one way Sandy says she could ensure that their son would not be forgotten. It’s a fear that plagues her more with every year that passes and every continuance that is filed, as the memories of that fateful night grow dimmer with time.

Fellow officers, family, and friends gathered last year on the third anniversary of Jeffrey Fontana’s death for a candlelight ceremony on Oct. 28 at the park that now bears his name. “This represents life, passion, and some of the best of what San Jose’s public officers are all about,” said former District 10 Councilmember Pat Dando (far right). Photo by Kymberli W. Brady.

In a symbolic move, the route this year will be reversed, starting with a few words and a moment of silence at the plaque on Calle Almaden where Fontana went down, followed by a candlelight procession to the park that bears his name and the sculpture that bears his likeness. The impetus behind the decision evolved around ending the vigil on a more pleasing note, in a happier place.

And if she has her way, it will also be the last—an annual event that she says should never have lasted so long. Closure has been long in coming, but she can almost taste it.

“This one is really more important to us now than the others,” she says. “This time, we are so close to trial and we want people to remember Jeff. We want them to remember the circumstances that will enable justice to be served.”

Although she still waits for closure, Sandy says her family is thankful for the community effort that has resulted in providing them with a place that bears his mark, and a legacy that represents the young boy’s dream of public service.

“We’re so thrilled with the sculpture and the park,” said Sandy Fontana. “It will always give us a place to remember Jeff.”

Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend the candlelight vigil for Officer Jeffrey Fontana on Friday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. on Calle Almaden, near McAbee and Almaden Expressway. Candles will be passed out for the procession to the park.