Dr. Daniel Edward Lafontaine, Sr.

Daniel E. Lafontaine Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Bel Air, Maryland, on February 24, 2021. He battled cancer for years before his passing at age 78. Daniel was born in Tiffin, Ohio, to the late Lloyd and Alice Lafontaine of Alvada, Ohio, where he lived until graduating from high school. Daniel is survived by his wife of 53 years, JoAnn Pour Lafontaine; daughter Amy Dean and son-in-law Tim Dean of Havre de Grace, Maryland; daughter Jennifer Lafontaine and son-in-law Vic DeSanti of San Diego, California; son Daniel Lafontaine Jr. and daughter-in-law Amy Lafontaine of Havre de Grace; daughter Margaret (Meg) Lafontaine and son-in-law Javier Castano of West Palm Beach, Florida; grandchildren Haley Dean, Colin Dean, Ava DeSanti, William Lafontaine, and Lukas Castano; sisters Judy Hucke, Patty Stevens, and Caroline Amburgey; brother Dale Reinhart; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his stepmother Betty Lafontaine and brothers Donny Reinhart, Eugene Reinhart, and Floyd Reinhart. Daniel attended The Ohio State University where he earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer in the Veterinary Corps and served for 26 years, retiring as a colonel. He also earned a Masters of Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Following his retirement from the Army, Daniel worked for the State of South Carolina as the Director of Meat and Poultry Inspection. He was a member of many professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Military Officers Association of America, and American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians. Daniel enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending sporting events, teaching, and gardening. He traveled worldwide to teach food safety practices to colleagues and soldiers. Daniel was an avid reader and embraced every opportunity to learn. He was a devoted family man and loved talking about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Daniel took great pride in the Army’s Veterinary Corps, his second career with the State of South Carolina, and consulting on food safety and hygiene. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the charity of one’s choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date.