John J. Fornino

John J. Fornino, 74, of Newington, died peacefully April 12, 2011 with his wife by his side. Husband of Anna Maria (Camilleri) Fornino for 41 years, he was the son of the late Joseph and Carmela (Pontillo) Fornino of Hartford. John was a graduate of Bulkeley High School 1955 and The Hartford Institute of Accounting. Upon graduation, he worked in the family trucking business until it closed. He thereafter served the Connecticut Judicial Branch for 24 years first as a Hartford County Sheriff and then a State of Connecticut Judicial Marshal, retiring in 2010. John received many commendations from Judges, attorneys and the general public for his job performance not only during some of the most difficult of judicial trials, but also on an average business day. John was a man who loved family, whether it was his own or his wife's he always looked forward to the holidays and special gatherings where everyone could be together. He was a man who believed in respect, he gave it with his heart and asked for nothing in return. He was always there for ""the kids"" as he always called them and would do everything he could when asked for a favor, whether it be family or friends. He was just there for everyone. He was that kind of person. An avid fan of horse racing, John will always be known for his famous finger snapping to root his horse in as the winner and yes, he did have some winners! Just ask those who were with him over the years. He always looked forward to the yearly cousins' tradition at Saratoga. He also enjoyed cheering on his favorite football team, the Miami Dolphins. John was known for his contagious laughter, when he laughed, the whole world laughed with him. John truly loved and enjoyed life and during his life became a friend to many and remained friends with those from his childhood. Beside his wife, John leaves his devoted sisters and their husbands, whom he loved with all his heart, Angela and Ric DeLillo of Hartford and Theresa and John Ryan of Newington. He also leaves his brother-in-law and wife, Victor and Mary Camilleri of Holliston, MA. He leaves ""the kids"" as he always called them, his nieces and nephews, Joseph, Michael and Chaz, Carmel and Vinny, Vic Jr., David, Mark and Linda, Scott and Tracey, Lynn and Dave, Maria and Mike, Matthew, John and Loren. A special thank you to our niece Carmel for the daily visits, tender care, love and devotion she has given to her uncle. To our friend, Paula, for the help, support and care she and Rich have given during the past year and especially to the medical and nursing staff of Bliss 10, Hartford Hospital. John also leaves behind his faithful and cherished dog, Chloe, who together with his previous dogs, were the children he never had. They brought so much joy to his life and for that reason and in John's memory, donations can be made to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111 or to the Alzheimer's Association , 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 to help stop a disease that is increasingly prevalent. Funeral services will be Friday (April 15th) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon in the Church of Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to go directly to church. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Family and friends may call TODAY from 4-6 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. For online expression of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.