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Joe Fortunato
1930 - 2017
Joe Fortunato
1930 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1930
DIED
2017
Joe Fortunato Obituary
Fortunato died Monday in Mississippi, where he starred at linebacker and fullback at Mississippi State.
"Joe Fortunato was not only a great player for the Chicago Bears, including being a part of our 1963 championship at Wrigley Field, he was a key figure in one of the greatest linebacker trios in Bears history alongside Hall of Famer Bill George and Larry Morris," Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement Thursday. "The Chicago Bears family extends our condolences to the Fortunato family on the passing of Joe."
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In 12 seasons with the Bears, Fortunato was a three-time All-Pro selection and a five-time Pro Bowl pick. He had 16 interceptions and 22 fumble recoveries and was selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1950s. From Mingo Junction, Ohio, Fortunato was inducted into the Mississippi State football Ring of Honor last month.
Fortunato was an assistant coach with the Bears in 1967 and 1968 before returning to Mississippi. He ran Big Joe Oil Company.
Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
25 Entries
James
March 2, 2024
I saw Joe play a game in Memphis tn.ehen I was 10 or 12. First pro game I saw and the only one. Thanks Joe you talked to our group before the came. Thank you for taking the time.
Sandra
November 24, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Fortunato family and friends. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this very difficult time. Isaiah 61: 1, 2.
November 15, 2017
My condolences to the Fortunato family. May you find comfort knowing that your loved one is in God's memory. May he give you comfort and strength during these difficult times.
November 15, 2017
To the Fortunato family, I am so sorry for your loss may you find comfort in 25:8 "He will swallow up death forever, And will wipe away the tears from all faces."
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Betty Armour
November 15, 2017
So sorry to read about the loss of your loved one. Psalms 90: 10 shows how he lived a long life of special mightiness from God. Keep his many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.
Bill
November 14, 2017
RIP, Joe! Loved watching you at your best! Thanks for your contribution to the Bears, the NFL, and to America.
m
November 13, 2017
My heart is torn in peaces to know he is gone. May you find hope in God and strength.
November 13, 2017
Dear Fortunato Family,
I played ball with Joe in grade school and high school in Mingo Junction. We were Best Friends. We went to college, he to Mississippi State and I went to Tennessee. He gave me a big poster of his football laurels with the Chicago Bears which i framed and have cherished very much. I have bragged about Joe to everyone i have ever known. Joe, Rest in Peace until we meet again best friend, Don Jones, M.D.
November 13, 2017
May the family find peace and comfort in knowing all sickness, all pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
November 13, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Teresa
November 13, 2017
To the Fortunato family, I am very sorry for your loss. The time we share with our love one and the love that is shared make for wonderful memory's. In the span of time things change as time does not stand still. We become our parents and they are now us the roll has chnged. Time has moved on, what is lifted is our memories along with pictures and the love we have share times have changed and moved on.
November 12, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Harry Simpson
November 11, 2017
Godspeed Joe, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Bobby Wilcox
November 11, 2017
Sad to see another one from the good ole days pass on. He played in a time when the players were real and the game could be appreciated more. Today it's too much theatrics, chemicals, and divas. God bless Joe, his family, and his memory! This real honest player and good man will be missed more than we know.
Dewey Wilcox
November 11, 2017
Remembering Joe as tough and good as the
came in his era - wish He could of played
longer...A Real All-Pro. Thoughts of care
to his Family.
November 11, 2017
Grief can be hard, but the love from family and friends will help you cope.
November 11, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Joe Fortunato. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43
Buck Murray
November 11, 2017
My condolences to Mr. Fortunate's Family . I remember watching that game in '63 , I was 18 years old and wanted the Bears to beat the NY Giants . My wish was granted and I remember ' linebacker Joe in on many defensive plays . Godspeed and RIP to one of my youthful hero's .
Michael Sekich
November 10, 2017
Condolences to the Fortunato family. I was eleven when the bears won the title in 63. A team I will never forget, Joe,alongside Bill George and Larry Morris was a tough linebackers core perhaps the best ever,they were stingy!
November 10, 2017
Sincere sympathy. Mr. Fortunato will be missed sadly. Thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
November 10, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Carlotta
November 10, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Fortunato family and friends at this difficult time.
C. L.
November 10, 2017
My deepest condolences for your family's loss. May God be with you.
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