Michael James Fortin

Southington ? On December 14, 2010, our beloved Michael James Fortin Jr, 25 years old died at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley Campus. Mike Jr. was born in New Britain on February 2, 1985, and lived his entire life in Plantsville with the exception of two years living in Henderson, Nevada expanding his culinary knowledge. He attended William Strong Elementary School, John F. Kennedy Jr. High School and graduated from Southington High School in 2003 and was on the honor roll. After graduation he attended the Connecticut Culinary Institute and received a degree in the fine arts of culinary in 2005. He was active in Southington Midget Football, nickname ?Crusher? as a child and played on the Southington High School football team for 3 years.

He is the only son of Michael J. Fortin Sr. and Jacqueline Gardner and the ?big? brother to his sisters Miranda and Breanna Fortin. He was a talented and creative chef and many had the opportunity of experiencing his culinary gifts and expertise most recently on Thanksgiving Day. Mike Jr. was a Red Sox fan and avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed watching the games with his dad, grandfather Pepere, uncles and his baby sister Breanna. He was a practical jokester, enjoyed cooking for family and friends and playing with his Boston terrier, Charlie.

In addition to his parents and sisters, he leaves Lenore Zahornasky,his father's fiance, his grandparents, Roland and Jeannette Fortin Sr. and Jean Conti, many aunts and uncles, Rita (Fortin) and Ken Paradis, Roland and Estelle Fortin Jr., Paul Fortin Sr. and Roseann Laurenza, Brian Fortin and partner John Carter, Michelle Gardner, Corrine Conti, Lorene Matthews, Gary and Michelle Gardner and Brian Gardner. He also leaves his cousins, Roland III, Matthew and Jennifer Fortin, Stephanie Fortin, Trenton Hager, Tommy Matthews and Kayla Allaire-Gardner and best friend Phil Serafino. His cousin Paul T. Fortin Jr. preceded him in death in 2008.

Michael has touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Monday December 20, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Faith Living Church, 20 Grove St., Plantsville. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to a college scholarship for his sisters, c/o TD Bank, 921 Meriden-Wtby Turnpike Rd. Plantsville, CT 06479. The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington is assisting the family with the arrangements.