Michael J. Fortunato, 101, a lifelong resident of Blairsville, PA passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in Redstone Highlands, Greensburg, PA.
The son of Edward and Philomena (Petti) Fortunato, he was born May 12, 1923, in Blairsville, PA.
Mr. Fortunato graduated from Blairsville High School, Class of 1942 and from Robert Morris Business School (Robert Morris University) in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree. He was employed by George Conti Company as a certified public accountant and retired as treasurer of Newcomer Products Inc., Derry, PA.
He was a veteran of World War II having served in the US Army 20th Corp, 3rd Army, commanded by Lieutenant General George S. Patton, and Battery B 736 Field Artillery in France and Rhineland. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Ardennes.
Mr. Fortunato was a member of SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church, Blairsville, charter member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Blairsville Council #3624, past director of SS Simon & Jude Cemetery, former member of American Legion Post #407 and Blairsville VFW Post #5821. Also, a former member of American Institute of Certified Accountants, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Southwestern Chapter of Pennsylvania Certified Public Accountants.
Surviving are two sons, James M. Fortunato (MaryAnn) of South Portland, ME and David A. Fortunato (Diane) of Blairsville, a daughter, Janice A. Newcomer (James) of Latrobe; seven grandchildren, Amanda Newcomer (Jim Falenski), Maria Conner (Rusty), Katie Samick (Mitch), Andrea Loftus (Jay), Brian Newcomer (Amanda), Michael Fortunato (Meghan), and Melissa Snyder (Will); eight great-grandchildren, Payton Snyder, Emery Newcomer, Wyatt Newcomer, Evelyn Conner, Iain Loftus, Nathan Conner, Maeve Loftus and Norah Fortunato.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years, Nancy T. (Burkley) Fortunato on June 14, 2007, son, Michael and a brother, Albert Fortunato.
Private visitation and services will be held at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA., with Fr. Segundino Laude officiating.
Interment will be in SS Simon & Jude Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.
Military services will be accorded at the cemetery by Blairsville Military Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Blairsville Fire Department, 51 W. Campbell St., Blairsville, PA 15717, or SS Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 155 N. Brady St., Blairsville, PA 15717.
To view the online obituary, sign the guest registry or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfamilyservices.com
