Carmine J. “Joe” Fortunato, a life-long Medford resident, died Monday evening at Glen Ridge Nursing Home, in the company of his loving family. He was 86.
Mr. Fortunato was born and raised in Medford, the son of the late Carmine and the late Linda (Aratto) Fortunato. After high school, Mr. Fortunato joined the US Army and faught during World War II. A member of the 17th Airborn Division, 513th Parachute infantry Co. F, Joe was awarded the Bronze Star for combat heroism in the European Campaign. After return to civilian life, Joe began a 40 year career as foreman with the Bunny Bear Company in Everett, manufacturing children's products. A devoted family man, Joe was proud of his wife and children and enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was the beloved husband of Florence (McCormick) Fortunato with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Steven Fortunato of Medford, Nancy Garrett and her husband Alan of FL, Joseph Fortunato of Medford, Linda Costello and her husband James of Medford, Anthony Fortunato and his wife Jennifer of Sudbury. He was a loving grandfather to Sandra Lyn, Jason, Jenniffer, Randy, Jimmy, Stacy, Scott, Sophia ,Vincent and a loving great-grandfather to Mark, Celia, Sean and Olivia. He was a dear brother to Francis, George, John, William Fortunato, Marion Visconti, the late Eleanor Flanagan, Paul and Arthur Fortunato.
Family and friends may visit Thursday from 4 thru 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford, Friday at 11 AM, with the Reverend Robert Doherty, presiding. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's name to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.