Donald R. Fantz

Donald Richart Fantz August 25, 1933 — May 15, 2026

“True friendship, cemented by Christ, is where men are drawn together.” – St. Jerome If you met Don Fantz even briefly in his 92 years on this earth, then you know he truly exemplified this quote. In an age when friendships required real and continuous personal interaction, Don cultivated countless genuine connections. He exuded warmth, interest, and concern for everyone he came across, in every decade of his life, in every corner of the world. He truly lived his life to bond with others, and he died with literally hundreds of authentic “best friendships” to his credit. Born in Whittier, California, to Donald Eugene Fantz and Ellen Lucille (Macrorie), Don was the oldest of four children. From an early age, Don had a deep love for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and this defined his path in life. While still in grammar school, he regularly rose early and walked on his own to the local church to serve Mass before attending classes. He was strongly drawn to the religious life, and after graduating from Whittier High School, he joined the Alexian Brothers in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He completed his postulancy and novitiate, eventually taking the name of Brother Ligouri. Soon after, he decided to pursue a vocation to the priesthood, and he transferred to Holy Redeemer College in Oakland, California as a Redemptorist student. When illness forced him to end his religious studies and return home, Don took a job as a travel agent at the AAA. While there, he met the love of his life, Madonna Voyles. Their whirlwind courtship led to a beautiful 67-year marriage, that was defined by their mutual commitment to the Catholic Faith. Over time, they were blessed with six children, 18 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Professionally, Don remained in the travel industry, serving as a sales executive for Viasa, Air France, Aer Lingus, British Caledonian Airways, and PanAm. This afforded him the opportunity to travel the world, and he did so with gusto, soaking in the music, dance, customs, and food from cultures around the world. Everywhere he went, he forged new friendships, continuously adding stories to his endless and interesting repertoire of human interaction. When he came home, he generously shared his adventures and experiences with others. Don was an accomplished musician, playing the piano, organ and accordion, and he was a gifted singer, with multiple professional credits to his name, including a stint at Carnegie Hall with Ronan Tynan and the Hibernian Brothers. He also loved to dance, and he was known for his proficiency in polka and waltz. A staunch defender of Catholic tradition, Don categorically rejected the changes of Vatican II and dedicated himself to combing the world to seek out like-minded priests who remained faithful to the Traditional Latin Mass. He was also deeply committed to quality education, and in 1972, he collaborated with a small group of parents to form Holy Innocents School, a private Traditional Catholic school in Walnut Creek, California. Over the years, he taught High School, covering a multitude of subjects, including Biology, Religion, Latin, Spanish, Philosophy, and Logic. In 1982, he moved his family from California to Long Island, New York. Soon, he began to teach at Immaculate Heart Seminary in Round Top, New York, as well as at St Pius V School in Wantagh and later in Melville, New York. He was a gifted and dedicated educator, and he continued to teach at St Pius V for 40 years, ultimately instructing generations of students in the dogma and practice of the Catholic Faith. Don passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, surrounded by family, clothed in Our Lady’s Brown Scapular, and well-fortified with the Sacraments of the Church. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Madonna, as well as his children, Madonna, Patrick, Maureen, Sister Maria Immaculata (Mary), Dolores, and Margaret; his siblings Suellen and David; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws; and countless loving friends. Don lived the life of a true Catholic gentleman, and he was a wonderful example to all. He never hesitated to help and counsel others, always with an encouraging word, a smile, and a prayer. We are blessed and grateful to have had him in our lives, and we ask that you please pray for the repose of his soul, as well as for his family and friends. To honor his wishes, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Pius V School, St. Joseph’s Novitiate, or Immaculate Heart Seminary. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

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