Francis J. Fortunato

Francis (Frank) John Fortunato, 70, passed away on Saturday, June 17^th 2023 surrounded by family near his home in Staten Island.   He led a remarkable life, touching the lives of many, and providing a caring shoulder to lean on to anyone that needed support.  As a beloved son to Michael and Josephine Fortunato (deceased) and loving brother to Michael (deceased), Steven (deceased), and Anthony, Frank grew up in a household overflowing with love and compassion.  He never shied away from the chance to speak of his parents with great joy and fondness for the many memories he held close to his heart. Being one of four brothers, Frank cultivated unique relationships with Michael, Steven, and Anthony throughout his life and he was always quick to share a story, perhaps at one of the others expense - but always in great fun. 

As a devoted husband to Diane for 34 years, Frank sought out all the joy that life had to offer. Whether it was a spontaneous date night with a movie and dinner at Guiliana’s Ristorante, a drive into the city, or cutting up the dance floor, Frank strived to keep Diane smiling for every minute of their joyous union.  Their marriage was built on a foundation that included a deep love for one another and an unyielding dedication to the family they created.   Father to Jennifer and Samantha, Frank spent more than half his life dedicated to ensuring his girls had the best that life could offer. He cooked their favorite meals, played their favorite games, sang (beautifully) their favorite songs - all to see them smile at the end of the day.  When it came time for them to marry, Samantha found Matthew and Frank beamed with pride on their wedding day as he stood proudly at the alter and gave her away.  Jennifer then found Daniel, and just when Frank thought he couldn't be happier - he danced with Jennifer across a ballroom floor and his smile shone so brightly it lit up the entire Isle of Staten. 

Frank found one of his greatest joys later in life when he became a grandfather, first to Jake then to Olivia.  He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them or lead a conversation with other family members to share their latest achievements.  A proud Nonno, Frank supported his grandchildren at every turn, taking care of Jake from infancy when Samantha went back to work, giving rides to school, hanging out at the house, and just being present wherever and whenever possible.  In the fraction of time he shared with Jake and Olivia, he provided core memories that are sure to carry them throughout their lives.

Leading a successful career in Finance across notable companies such as Etienne Aigner, Deutsche Bank, and Evercore Partners, Frank always held an immense sense of pride in his work.  Though the women in his life preferred the perks of his time at Etienne Aigner, Frank provided the same level of professionalism and dedication to each road his career took him down. He always spoke fondly of the people who worked for him and cared for them greatly.  When he retired in 2012, Frank was acknowledged for his achievements in his career, but he knew there were more adventures ahead.

While his professional accomplishments are commendable, Frank would want to be remembered for the things that brought him the most joy and that was his family, his friends, and his passion for travel.  Always looking for an opportunity to spend quality time with those he loved, Frank was known to hop on the train, book the flight, or get in the car to visit his cousins, friends, and loved ones over bridges and across state lines at a moment's notice.  With his frequent flyer points racked high, Frank was the first to talk about the next vacation when he was already ON vacation, but no one complained. With Frank at the helm, fellow travelers knew that the flights were early, the transport was handled, and dinner was promptly at 5:30pm (with a cold cocktail in hand). 

When you made a friend in Frank, you made a friend for life.  His phone book and Facebook account if flooded with individuals he met by happenstance; people he met for a brief time on one of the many aforementioned vacations, a friend of a friend, or a former classmate he suddenly reconnected with.  His smile, his light, his energy was something that everyone wanted to be around and Frank was more than willing to share.  His personality effortlessly weaving its way through conversations, you never left an interaction with Frank without something new to think about or happy energy that you seemingly couldn't explain. 

As we mourn the loss of Frank, a light that was extinguished far too soon, let us take a moment to celebrate the time we did have with this incredible man.  May his memory inspire us to hold our loved ones close, pursue our dreams, and create new memories with friends and family wherever possible.  May he find eternal peace with the family and friends that have passed before him and may the ones he left behind find solace in the memories shared together. 

Frank is survived by his wife of 34 years Diane, his daughters Samantha and Jennifer, his sons in law Matthew and Daniel, his dear grandchildren Jake and Olivia and his brother Anthony and sister-in-law Pauline. He was the beloved son of the late Michael and Josephine Fortunato and the beloved brother of the late Michael J. and Steven V. Fortunato.