ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – An icon of Ithaca has passed away.

Caesar Fontana, owner of the Eddy Street staple Fontana’s Shoes, passed away in his sleep on December 10. Fontana was also a fixture at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market as a vendor for many years. Fontana’s Shoes started in 1965 and is still a successful retail business today in Collegetown. Fontana was 93 years old. A celebration will be held in 2024 on a date to be announced.