Alex Fontalvo

United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Alex Fontalvo passed away on March 17, 2011 in an aircraft incident.

Fontalvo was born in Paterson, New Jersey and grew up in Pasadena, Texas. Throughout his childhood, he played many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, and played percussion in the band. Being the youngest in his family, Fontalvo had high standards regarding what it meant to be a good person. In 2007, Fontalvo met his future wife, Tashina, while deployed in Iraq. The pair had been assigned to the same squadron, however, they did not begin their relationship until they were back in the United States.

Driven by his passion for travel, his inquisitive personality, and a desire to pay for his own college education, Fontalvo enlisted in the USMC on June 25, 2004. He loved being a part of the military and especially loved flying aircrafts. He made it his goal to become a pilot with the Marine Corps. Fontalvo completed five successful tours overseas and became a non-commissioned officer and was promoted to staff non-commissioned officer. He earned his wings and became an Aircrew Airman after long, intense training. Following protocol procedures before each flight was a regular part of his job, which he took pride in doing meticulously. While performing these procedures on March 17, 2011, the entire landing gear of the aircraft collapsed, crushing Fontalvo and killing him instantly.

Tashina currently lives in Texas with their son, Dominic and is surrounded by family members, including Fontalvo’s mother, Norma, and Dominic’s older sister, Tanika. Tashina enjoys baseball, especially for her son, frequently volunteering for the Pearland Dads Baseball Club, but also enjoys photography and interior decorating. She is excited to see her son’s accomplishments and what his future holds. Receiving a donation from Tunnel to Towers will assure a forever home for Tashina and Dominic and will relieve her of the stress of rent or mortgage payments. She would like others to know that Fontalvo was, and still is, an amazing father and husband and always found a way to make sure his family was well taken care of. She wants those who struggle with survivor guilt to never give up; keep standing strong for your children and keep their lost parent’s memory alive.

United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Alex Fontalvo leaves behind his wife, Tashina, their son, Dominic, and their daughter, Tanika.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Fontalvo family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.