On December 15th at 6:01am Salvatore Blaise Fortunato went home. He will be remembered by many names Sal, Sally, Babe, Dad, Daddy, Popa, Big Guy, Uncle Sal, Hunk, Number One and has even been called Alice. Sal is survived by his wife and partner, who was love of his life of over 44 years, Barbara, his two children; son Steven, his wife Linda, his grandchildren from Steven, Nicky, Christopher, & Danie. His daughter, AnnMarie her husband Johnny and his grandchildren from them; Frankie, daughter Hailey, Vinny, his fiancée Joelle and Antonette. He also leaves behind his eight siblings; Joey, Maryanne, Tony, Chris, Tommy, Lorraine, Eddie and his baby sister Jeanette. He leaves behind many beloved brother and sister in laws. Sal has 91 nieces and nephews with 2 more on the way. There are many, many friends who he saw as family. For all those who knew Sal, he lived his life just like the Frank Sinatra song says,” My Way” and he went home HIS way with dignity and poise. Sal had a huge gathering waiting to welcome him home. His Mother Antonette, his Father Anthony (Pop), his many aunts and uncles and cousins. Sal grew up and lived in Brooklyn, New York. He was an avid hunter and went hunting with his buddies every year since he was 17. Sal worked as a maintence director at Monarch Winery for many years, in which he was extremely proud. In 1983, Sal and Barbara moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. Once in Arizona, he worked as maintence director/ groundsmen at Troon Golf and Country Club. After retiring he took his dream job at Talking Stick Casino as a chef. Sal was the glue in his family. Nothing meant more to him than his family. He went the distance all fifteen rounds and he was still standing when he heard the final bell. Sal will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His last request was please do not cry when I am gone, rejoice in the fact you had me as long as you did. As long as you speak of me, I will never die. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association 16449 W. Honeysuckle Dr. Surprise, AZ 85387
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
John “Duke” Wayne
Gallery
AnnMarie
My dad will be missed by many, he left his mark on every heart he touched. Thank you to everyone for your love, support, cards, calls, and for sharing wonderful memories of my dad.
Lizzy Fusco
To the man I once knew as pops and always welcome us into his clan. No matter when u saw him he could remover whom I was. I love you all as family and been blessed to be a part of it. God bless and so happy you are at peace.
Love you always. My heart and a Paul is with my other family. Love you all.
Linda Thorn Hoffmann
Sal you will always be in my heart!
Chris and Laura Barnett
Sal we can’t thank you enough for your kindness, your stories and ohhh those meatballs! You will forever be remembered!
James T Carey
Uncle Sal, a name/ title that I always said with love and pride!! ” My Uncle Sal” that name always brought a huge smile to my face!! The time I spent with you and your family on 21st St. has a special place in my heart forever! I couldn’t wait to get into Brooklyn any chance I got! Recently, facebook reconnected us and while it wasn’t the same as being around you, it was a way for us to share our “day to day” and what was going on in our lives. God has gained one “badass” of an angel
Love and miss you
James
mary feuge
Sal my memories of you go back to Sterling Place in Brooklyn…it wasn’t until 2011 I saw you on Facebook and you accepted my friend request that I was able to get back in touch with the “Fortunato’s” that were my second family as a child…..Memories I treasure…..may you rest in peace…..Love, Mary T.
Antonette Onorato
Grandpa.! Where do I begin. From sitting on your lap to an adult you waived bye to as I drove away. I never realized how much I called you until I couldn’t any.. the stories you would tell were funny, crazy, and repeated many of times hah. But creating stories with you was even better. It’s going to take time to adjust but we will get through it. You always told us to not be sad when your gone but to be happy cause your home with your parents. I love you popa sal.. I will forever miss you
Your daughter
I did my best daddy I really did. My love for mom wasn’t as strong as her love for you. She was never the same since you left us. I pray you both together and watching over us. I love you both so much and my life will never be the same again without you two.
AnnMarie Onorato
Its been so hard dad. Im so lost. I talk to you and mom all the time. I wish i could hear you. I know your always here.
Chinken
Its not getting any easier. The pain is so unbearable at times. I am so truly grateful and blessed that I had you and mommy as long as I did. I know death is apart of life you always told us that. I understand not the pain you felt when grandma passed. You always said she was your best friend and your heart ached after she was gone. I feel that so deeply in my heart. Its a physical pain not having you & mommy here anymore. I find myself everyday wanting nothing more then for you to call. Just to here hey babes one more time. To hug mommy and hear her say we will get through this together. I love you daddy I just dont feel whole without you &mommy.