Edward LaFontaine entered the Navy as an Aviation Cadet in 1943 and, after extensive flight training was commissioned an Ensign in 1944. In 1945, LaFontaine served in the Philippine Islands where his squadron completed 37 long-range patrols - 2,000 mile single-plane, "search-and-report" missions.

After active duty, LaFontaine continued his association with the Naval Air Reserve for 26 years, qualified as pilot, navigator, bombardier, and tactical coordinator long-range maritime patrol aircraft. He retired in 1969 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

He joined Kentucky's Highway Department in 1949, preparing county highway maps. In 1952 he transferred to the Department of Aeronautics as an Inspector of Construction. He was named Director of Airport Development in 1958 and supervised the selection, placement, programming and development of all municipal general aviation airports in Kentucky.

In 1975, LaFontaine was named Director of the Office of Aeronautics, overseeing the budgeting and program management of all aviation safety, regulatory, and airport development aspects of State Government. During his tenure, the number of municipally owned and operated airports rose from 13 to 76. He was responsible for the first successful completion of a State Airport System Plan in the United States, and was recognized for this achievement with the FAA's second-highest award, the Silver Certificate.

LaFontaine is a commercial-rated hot air balloon pilot, with over 700 hours in lighter-than-air craft. He has owned and operated a hot air balloon since 1976. He has participated in ballooning events in eight states and holds the 1985 Overall Alabama Jubilee Championship.

Ed LaFontaine served in State Government a total of 37 years, serving under eleven governors. He was a 26-year member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. He is a co-founder of the Kentucky Aviation Association, serving as a member of its Board of Directors and two terms as President. In addition, he is a life member of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, serving in several leadership positions over the years. He is enshrined in the Amelia Earhart "Forest of Friendship" and on the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum's "Wall of Honor" at the Udvar-Hazy facility.