Jerry Fortunato

Jerry Nicholas Fortunato, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed on the
evening of Saturday, September 23, at the age of 82 in Mission Hills. Jerry is survived by his
loving wife Denise, his loving children: son Vincent, daughter Gina (Doyle), son-in-law David,
three granddaughters: Lauren, Emmer and Sloane, and his brother Tony and sister-in-law Kathi.
Jerry was born on July 26, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. The first born grandchild of many, Jerry was
doated on and spoiled fabulously. In 1947, he and his family moved to Palm Springs, California.
They lived there until 1954, then they moved to their current home in Granada Hills where Jerry
resided most of his life. Jerry attended the then all boys Notre Dame High School and
graduated in 1959. Jerry joined the army and served 2 years, residing part of the time in
Germany. In the army he was taught pole climbing and splicing, so when he left the army, he
went to work at the phone company. He began in the maintenance department working in the
field and eventually managed his own team. He retired in 1996 after 32 years with the same
company. After retirement, he was still active with the phone company, working as an
independent contractor on and off for the next 10 years instructing new recruits on how to
climb poles and splice. He was a natural teacher and appreciated this part of his work life the
most.
Jerry and Denise loved to travel and went on trips around the world, often accompanied by
their friends, many of whom were from De La Salle Parish. When not traveling abroad, Jerry
enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin and was known for his Blackjack skills. Jerry also loved
sports, especially baseball. He also ran track and field and played softball, football, bowling,
and golf. He was an avid fan of watching his children and grandchildren play sports or perform
shows. His favorite teams were any of the teams his children and grandchildren played on AND
the Dodgers, Rams, Lakers and UCLA, and the television and the radio were always tuned to the
Dodgers during baseball season. Hallmark movies were his favorite to watch when he wasnt
watching sports.
The Fortunato home was open to all and those who entered always felt welcomed and wanted
by Jerry. Jerry will be fondly remembered for being easy going, fun, loyal and supportive and an
incredible father, husband, grandfather, and friend. Services will be held on Friday, October 13,
at 11:00 am at De La Salle Church, 16555 Chatsworth Street, in Granada Hills. The family will
host a celebration of life reception at the Odyssey Restaurant at 15600 Odyssey Drive, in
Granada Hills. In lieu of flowers please donate to Alzheimer's Association:
http://act.alz.org/goto/JerrysMemory