Charles F. Fortunato

Dr. Charles F. Fortunato, 85, of Toms River, NJ passed away on November 11, 2014, at home, in the arms of his loving wife. He was born in Newark, NJ, and lived there before moving to Toms River. He attended college at Seton Hall University and, following his graduation, embarked upon an adventure that would change his life. Although he had never traveled outside of New Jersey and only spoke English, he boarded a plane and headed for medical school in Rome, Italy. During his medical education in Italy, he became fluent in Italian and developed a deep love of the Italian culture, people, and country. He returned to the United States to practice cardiology. While serving his residency at Newark City Hospital he met a young nurse, who would become his wife, and they began a love affair that would last for the rest of his life. The couple settled in Toms River where he opened a medical practice and started a family. He became a well-respected cardiologist and practiced in Ocean County for over 50 years. His professional accomplishments included helping to establish the Community Medical Center and there he served as the Associate Chief of Medicine, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, and Chief of the Medical Staff. In October of 1990, Community Medical Center’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab was dedicated in his name. In 1997, he received Community Medical Center’s Excellence in Caring Award.

Charles was an extraordinary husband, father, friend, and mentor. He was known for his kind and friendly disposition, quick sense of humor, sweet tooth, and love of all things Italian. He shared this love with his family and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Sathmary) Fortunato, to whom he was married for 55 wonderful years; his son, David Fortunato, of Toms River; his daughter Lillian Geswelli and her husband Jim of New Vernon, NJ: his daughter Paula Fortunato-Redstone of Beverly Hills, CA; his three grandchildren: Dylan, Mia, and Cara; and his two sisters: Dolores Cottone and Sondra Fortunato Ogden, both of Toms River. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Lillian, and his sister, Anita and nephew, Russell.

Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6- 8:30 p.m. at the Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church on Friday at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be immediately following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Toms River. Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.