Dante V. "Dan" Fortini

Dan Fortini, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on New Year's Day, Dan lived a long, healthy life marked by service, creativity, and devotion to those he loved. In 1962, he moved to Newton, New Jersey, where he made his home for the next 63 years.

Dan proudly served his country in the United States Navy, Submarine Branch, during World War II. After his military service, he worked as a Naval Architect at the Brooklyn Navy Yard before beginning a long career at Picatinny Arsenal, where he retired as a Mechanical Engineer.

Dan began another career later in life as a bus driver - including many years behind the wheel of the Newton Senior Shuttle. Though he was senior to many of his passengers, he made everyone he drove feel valued, seen, and cared for. For him, it wasn't just about getting people where they needed to go, but making the ride itself a bright spot in their day.

Faith and fellowship were central to Dan's life. He was a faithful member of The First United Methodist Church of Newton for over 60 years and a proud member of Harmony Lodge No. 8, F. & A.M.

Dan found real joy in feeding people - whether it was a home-cooked meal, a cup of coffee shared with a friend, or a gathering around his table - and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He was the dad and uncle who'd pack all the kids into the car in their pajamas for a drive-in movie and ice cream - the kind of simple joy that became a lifelong memory. His gentle spirit and gracious heart brought warmth and strength to those around him.

Dan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and George Fortini, who immigrated through Ellis Island- he was named Dante after the ship that brought them to America. He is survived by his beloved Dorothy, whom he married in 1997; his devoted children: Daniel Fortini, David Fortini, Michael Fortini (Danielle), and Diane Fortini Coellner (Silas); as well as ten grandchildren: Anna Fortini, Daniel Fortini II (Sevim), Michael Fortini II (Jamie), Christina Garfield (Jonathon), Mark Fortini, Matthew Fortini (Brittany), Nicole Fortini, Cedar Coellner, Seth Coellner, and Sage Coellner; twelve great-grandchildren; and his brother, William Fortini.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 111 Ryerson Avenue, Newton, NJ, Saturday November 1, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. Entombment and US Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow in the Saint Joseph Cemetery Queen of Heaven Mausoleum Newton, NJ. A repast with a home-cooked meal afterward back at the church. Arrangements and online condolences through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers memorials in Dante's memory mat be made to either www.karenannquinlanhospice,org or www.stjude.org