I know nothing of the Fontana's as they were both dead before I was born. The information I got was from Uncle Tony who was Maria's brother. What I do know is they were originally from Tuscany and the Fontanas migrated into Tuscany from Switzerland. The families then settled in Tirol which was Austria and in the Dolomite Alps then. They settled in a town called Trento(a). The Fontanas were artisians and got their name from being crafters of town fountains. Hence the name Fontana which would have been pronounced "Foontahna". Yes, I am Charlotte Ricks cousin and Charlie's daughter.

Fortunately, I have been able to track part of my mom's side of the family back to 1701 and then it is a dead end. I think that in both instances, the records would be in churches and small towns and much of it would have been destroyed during WWII.

Take care,
C.