Gene Fortunato, 74, of Boynton Beach, Florida went home to be with the Lord on June 9, 2020 at home with his family by his side. Gene was born on December 15, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York and was the son of Frank and Theresa Fortunato. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend.
Gene was a man of enduring faith, great integrity and lived a life of dedicated service. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served on the Navy Ship SS Cadmus. Soon after, and for only a short time he became a NYC bus driver until becoming a NYC Firefighter in early 70’s at a time when the “Bronx was burning”. After a serious and permanently impaired injury to his leg, he was forced to retire fighting fires and transitioned into repairing cars and starting his own business Ace Auto Repair.
One of his greatest pleasures in life came from making and eating Italian food and grilling on his barbeque with and for his family and friends. A great meal was always marked by his signature phrase, “It’ll break your face.” He also loved and had a special talent for fixing and restoring things, and old cars were at the top of his list. He loved driving his Olds 442 and going to car shows to marvel in the detail and craftsmanship of cars from the past.
But His True Pride and Joy was his family. In addition to the love of his life, his dedicated wife of 50 years Michele, his children, Gina, Lisa and his beloved granddaughter Kaiya Faith survive him. Patrick, Gina and Kaiya George of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Logan and Lisa Fagre of Boynton Beach, FL. He also leaves behind his eldest sister Emily, his brother Frank, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
With Love and Gratitude the family greatly appreciates all the prayers that have been lifted up to the Lord on Gene’s behalf all these years, and most especially during these final days. His life was marked with countless miracles that testify to and bear witness of The Lords Steadfast Faithfulness, Life Transforming Truth and the Resurrection Powered Love of Jesus. Truly, LOVE NEVER FAILS…
In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held on Sunday June 14th, 2020 from 1-5 PM at the funeral home. A funeral mass will take place at St. Thomas More Catholic Church Monday, June 15th at 10:00 am with entombment immediately following at The Gardens Memorial Park.
Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com
Donations can be made to the following organizations in the name of Gene Fortunato:
St Jude Childrens Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/donate/pm.html?sc_dcm=254910683&sc_cid=kwp70519&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4qP9xt_66QIVAWyGCh1rWAsLEAAYASAAEgJAUvD_BwE
Wounded Warriors - https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=6794&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS20001&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjKntpt_66QIVy4FaBR1VkgMMEAAYASAAEgKr5PD_BwE
Voice of the Martyr's - https://www.persecution.com/donate/
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