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Charles Fortunato Obituary
AGE: 85 • Toms River
Dr. Charles F. Fortunato, 85, of Toms River, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at home, in the arms of his loving wife. He was born in Newark and lived there before moving to Toms River. He attended college at Seton Hall University and, following his graduation, embarked upon an adventure that would change his life. Although he had never traveled outside of New Jersey and only spoke English, he boarded a plane and headed for medical school in Rome, Italy. During his medical education in Italy, he became fluent in Italian and developed a deep love of the Italian culture, people, and country. He returned to the United States to practice cardiology. While serving his residency at Newark City Hospital, he met a young nurse, who would become his wife, and they began a love affair that would last for the rest of his life. The couple settled in Toms River where he opened a medical practice and started a family. He became a well-respected cardiologist and practiced in Ocean County for over 50 years. His professional accomplishments included helping to establish the Community Medical Center and there he served as the Associate Chief of Medicine, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, and Chief of the Medical Staff. In October of 1990, Community Medical Center's Cardiac Catheterization Lab was dedicated in his name. In 1997, he received Community Medical Center's Excellence in Caring Award.
Charles was an extraordinary husband, father, friend, and mentor. He was known for his kind and friendly disposition, quick sense of humor, sweet tooth, and love of all things Italian. He shared this love with his family and friends.
Charles is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Sathmary) Fortunato, to whom he was married for 55 wonderful years; his son, David Fortunato of Toms River; his daughter, Lillian Geswelli and her husband Jim of New Vernon; his daughter, Paula Fortunato-Redstone of Beverly Hills, CA; his three grandchildren, Dylan, Mia, and Cara; and his two sisters, Dolores Cottone and Sondra Fortunato Ogden, both of Toms River. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Lillian, and his sister, Anita and nephew, Russell.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at St. Joseph's Church. Burial will be immediately following at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River. Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Fortunato
November 26, 2014
Dr. Fortunato was a wonderful friend to my father - he was kind, caring, patient, forgiving and generous with his time. My father has so many happy, funny stories of times he spent with Charlie over the past 60 years. He lit up the room just by being there. Thank you for your kindness, for your caring, for being a great role model for all of us. What a blessing it has been to know you. Alexis Pinto
Janice Stanzione
November 20, 2014
Charles' journey has come to a close though his memory lives on among those who were fortunate to have been touched by his love and kindness. His legacy most importantly is in his beautiful family. My heart is saddened by his loss but is full of joy because I knew him. Love to Charlotte, Lillian, Paula and Dave.
November 19, 2014
I was devastated to learn of the passing of Dr. F. I had the extreme pleasure of working with him for several years as one of his medical assistants many years ago. Dr. F. taught me so much about caring for patients and people, he was one of the most wonderful men I have ever met in my life. Whenever I wasn't sure on how to deal with a patient issue in the years following I always asked myself what Dr. F. would do.
The world has lost and amazing person, but heaven gained a wonderful angel.
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. F., and family and friends of Dr. Fortunato.
Francis X. Halligan, Jr
November 18, 2014
He was a true professional in every sense of the word and will be missed by all of us who knew him.
Cathy Delanoy
November 17, 2014
So very sorry to have lost such a wonderful man! Our families go back 50 years and I treasure all of the wonderful memories. I will miss him more than words can express but I know we will meet again someday! My sincere condolences to the entire Fortunato Family. The world lost one of its brightest stars. Godspeed Charlie!
Emily Tortorello Kret
November 16, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Charles passing and though we have not seen each other since high school we were family friends since our childhood. I remember him like it was yesterday when Delores, Anita and Charlie went to the beach with their mother Lillian and my Aunt Anita,her daughter Anita, my cousin Louise and I. We were like family.I will always remember him as a fun loving boy and a wonderful man. After reading the commemorative guest book nothing more need be said to tell how he will be missed by all. My condolence to his family.God Bless you.
Emily Tortorello Kret
Marie Hughmanic-Riley
November 16, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss, Dave. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darryl Musto
November 16, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Doc will surely be missed here by the entire staff at Rite Aid. We all enjoyed the countless conversations with him. God Bless
Jim Pietrangelo
November 16, 2014
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. Doctor Fortunato was, and always will be, a Toms River treasure. I know for certain that my father considered him a good and loyal friend. As for myself, in all my years I never heard anything but the kindest and most flattering of words spoken about him. He will surely be missed.
janet campbell
November 16, 2014
I am very saddened by this news of his passing. I worked with him at Community Hospital ER back in the 70's and 80's and he was always nice to family and staff. He was always refined, but with a great sense humor. He always made people feel at ease when he was around. He always called me Soupy and forgot what my real name was, but it didn't bother me at all. He was a commanding presence when he entered the ER and always looked well dressed and polished. I feel so happy to have known such a wonderful person and doctor and will miss him greatly. God Bless him and may he rest in peace.
GABRIEL & LILIANA MIRESCU
November 15, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dick Read
November 15, 2014
Dear Charlotte and family: I am deeply saddened by your loss. Charlie was a great doctor and father. He will be sorely missed by our entire community.
Linda Dianda
November 14, 2014
I worked for the group for three years and I will never forget Dr. Fortunato. He was such a gentleman and a kind person. I will never forget his speaking Italian with me and buying us doughnuts from bakery on Fischer Blvd. My sincere condolences to his family and especially Dolores, his sister, whom I knew very well. RIP Dr. F you have earned your wings!
November 14, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Such a class act. I ran into him 3x in the last 2 years and we chatted. He remembered me from CMC. I have not worked there in 27 years!
Irene Nasta
November 14, 2014
My condolences to Dr.Fortunato's family. He was a kind and caring man. May he rest in peace.
Francis Piscal Jr
November 13, 2014
Charlotte, David and family,
Condolences to you. Dr. Fortunato was always kind to me and my siblings. I recall him to have been a gentleman at all times. Always approachable, always a warm smile.
God Bless you.
Patti Lamson
November 13, 2014
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God hold you close to Him at this difficult time. Sending love and prayers your way.
Robert DiBella and the DiBella Family
November 13, 2014
Our condolences to the family. We all lost a great man and an outstanding doctor. He will be missed. May he rest in peace and may God bless his family.
Pat Davis
November 13, 2014
A true gentlemen and great doctor. Always respectful to all.May he rest in peace. He will be missed by many.
Betty Morro
November 13, 2014
God Bless and rest in peace
donnamaria adelizzi-diaz
November 13, 2014
Unfortunately I am unable to attend the services.I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. H e was many of my family members doctor. I worked with him at CMC and for him at the Cardiac Nuclear Diagnostic Center from 1987 thru 1992. After that I would run into him in the coffee shop at the hospital while he was with Dr P. He was one class act.
November 13, 2014
Always a gentleman with his CMC peers. He always greeted everyone with a smile and treated all of us with respect. Such a gentleman who taught so many without realizing it. May your family find peace knowing you walk along side Jesus now. Rest in Peace my dear friend.....
Theresa Ross
CMC Laboratory
Claire O'Neill
November 13, 2014
Please accept my sincere sympathy on your loss. Charlie was such a dear person and friend to our family. He will always be remembered for his kindness and sincerity in caring for others.
Michele Pietrangelo
November 13, 2014
We lost another truly good man. Whenever I would bump into him around town he was just a joy to talk to. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to this family at this difficult time.
November 13, 2014
We are so sad to hear of Charlie's passing and your loss. He was more than a "good" physician. He was a friend, and a gracious, compassionate individual. Laura and Tom Bace
November 13, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a gentleman and always had a smile on his face when walking the CMC hallways. He always made us feel important and respected in the CMC Lab. He will be missed. Aggi Springsted Hage.
Seltzer Family
November 13, 2014
We are sharing in your sadness as you remember Charlie. There never was anyone quite like him and never will be again. He was a true original, an inspiration and a wonderful friend. We will all miss him.
Joseph & Zelda Ettore
November 13, 2014
We have very fond memories of Charles.
He was a wonderful person.
November 13, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Charlotte and family in the loss of Charlie.
Ron & Nancy Ehrlich
Larnie Dosono. RN
November 13, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Jane Somosky
November 13, 2014
Your smile, your twinkly eyes when you did..you always had a kind word for me, always..your love of life, family, friends and profession..These things and so much more I witnessed working with you even briefly @ TRMG..RIP Dr. Fortunato~
Diane Lehnes
November 12, 2014
I am so sorry for your great loss. Charlie was a terrific person. We worked together at Community Memorial Hospital and enjoyed his office Christmas parties for many years. He will be missed.
Pam Battaglio-Woolf
November 12, 2014
RIP Dr. F. My prayers are with your whole family. I will try and keep an eye on Charlotte. She will deeply miss you.
November 12, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss, we have all lost a good friend and a good man. I will miss him and cherish all the time that we talked and laughed. Ralph , and all of us from the Shipping Room
John & Margie Fehrenbach
November 12, 2014
It is difficult to put into words who -- and what -- Charlie was to so many people. Our hearts go out to Charlotte and children and to all others who knew and loved Charlie. He was one of a kind. Not bad for a kid from Down Neck. But most of all, I thank him for being such a great and reliable friend to my sister during good times and bad. -- Way to go, Charlie.
John and Margie
November 12, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. He was a great friend of Willa and Jack. Jack especially loved to see and talk with him. I hope they are catching up in heaven!
Gail Fulton Pezzicola. Hobe Sound Florida
November 12, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. He was a great friend of Willa and Jack. Jack especially loved to see and talk with him. I hope they are catching up in heaven!
Gail Fulton Pezzicola. Hobe Sound Florida
November 12, 2014
There was a stillness and dark clouds over Toms River today as we all mourned our wonderful friend--words cannot express the sorrow ----- Glenn and Jackie Gray R I P
November 12, 2014
There was no better man, loving husband, father, and doctor than Charlie. Always with a smile and a willingness tophelp in any way he could. The community of Toms River and Ocean County have lost one of the finest people I was ever honored to meet. John R. Garrabrant
Gerald Decker
November 12, 2014
I was truly sadden to hear of the passing of such a great Doctor and Man. He will be missed. Gerald Decker and Family
Judy Troast
November 12, 2014
You were kind, funny, a great teacher & mentor
You are going to be missed by many
November 12, 2014
He was the epitomy of class. Always nice. A true gentleman. RIP Mary Jane Lizer
November 12, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ron & Ellie Suarez
Terri & Ed Coogan
November 12, 2014
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Charlie was a true gentlemen and scholar, who always had a kind word and helpful hand to anyone he met. It was a genuine pleasure just being in his company. He will be greatly missed.
November 12, 2014
What a great boss & doctor to have worked for. May you rest in peace.
The Maaser Family
Tammy, Henry , & Lee
Margaret LaManna MD
November 12, 2014
A brilliant, compassionate cardiologist, a dear friend and colleague, an elegant man.....he is irreplaceable and he will be missed.
James F Leen
November 12, 2014
It's no accident that Charlie chose cardiology as a specialty; he knew quite a bit about hearts. He knew how to touch them and he knew how to heal them. Friends and family were everything to this quiet dignified man. He often traveled great distances to attend a memorial or visit someone in a hospital. Always without fanfare and completely sincere. He knew what really mattered to people. That's what he carried in HIS heart. His great sense of humor could be irreverent at times but always respectful. I will miss being in his company.
I cannot imagine a better picture than the one you chose to use here. The warmth of that smile and all of that style. He had style in spades. I cannot say if he was the first person I remember in Toms River to drive a Mercedes and wear Gucci loafers, but nobody ever looked better in either. Godspeed
Barbara Cypher RN
November 12, 2014
He was such a down to earth person and the the ultimate of professionalism and caring doctor. The medical profession has lost a great doctor, Will always remember h i s smile.
Violet Kauffman RN
November 12, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Terry Raniero
November 12, 2014
May you rest in the arms of the Lord. Many years since I have seen you but I remember your pleasant smile and infectious giggle. I also remember no socks not even in winter. My heartfelt codolences to your family.
Corinne Blumenthal
November 12, 2014
Deepest condolences to Charlotte and family
What a wonderful man and Dr.
My husband and I had the pleasure of knowing him for some 50 years
And truly loved him.
My heart goes out to Charlotte and family and Dolores and Sondra
He will always be in my thoughts
With much love, Corinne
November 12, 2014
Larger than life! These are the words that describe this giant from Newark! Not only his broad smile, generosity, charisma & winning ways will never be forgotten, but above all his gift of healing people along with truly caring & understanding them.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of the beautiful Fortunato family at this very, very sad time.
Jean-Marie and Walter Green,MD
Linda Parisi
November 12, 2014
The town of Toms River has lost a wonderful man and a great Doctor. I will miss you dearly, they don't come any finer, than a man like you. Charlotte my prayers are with you and David. Forever Linda
Lisa Tatesure
November 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers, ,,,DrF you had such an infectious smile and a beautiful person, ,,you will be missed
Lisa Tatesure
November 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers ,,,,DrF you had such an infectious smile and a beautiful person, you will be missed.
Matthew Cotten
November 12, 2014
Sorry for your lose.
Charlotte Cernek-Hoelterling
November 12, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to your family, you have touched so many lives, may you now rest in peace
Dawna meier
November 12, 2014
RIP Dr F, my condolences to your family. You were a wonderful man, doctor and co-worker may your legacy live on. You will be forever missed
Rosanne Citta
November 12, 2014
A CLASS ACT has ended. A great friend of my family since Charlie and Charlotte moved to Toms River. Charlie helped me through losing my brother and father with daily conversations. He will be missed. There is already another void in my life. Rest in peace my dear friend. I love you and the beautiful Charlotte. Thank you for taking my parents to Italy. Both trips were a great memory in their lives.
Don Caruso
November 12, 2014
A mentor and friend with a lust for life and an indelible smile. Impossible to forget
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Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home - Toms River703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
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