Charles Rodger Fortino

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Charles R. Fortino,90 of Carmel, Indiana who left us on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Chuck was born on September 27, 1935 in Towanda, Illinois to the late Felix and Dorothy A. (Stapleton) Fortino. He grew up and attended schools there and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Illinois University where he met his wife, Bette. Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Navy post Korean War.

He and Bette married in Oak Lawn, Illinois on November 4, 1958. They soon settled in Elkhart, Indiana where Chuck founded Fortino Building and Fortino Realty, constructing hundreds of custom homes in the Elkhart area from 1958 until 2003.

Chuck lived his life devoted to his faith and family. He was a longtime and dedicated member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church where he was also a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus - Elkhart Council 1043. Upon transplanting to Carmel, Indiana in 2013, Chuck became a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus Bishop George Avis Fulcher Council #12387.

He supported his community as a member of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce and had also enjoyed his many years as a member and leader of Rotary International. Additionally, Chuck was a longtime member of the Home Builders Association of Indiana and served as President in 1988.

A devoted family man, a respected leader, and a pillar of his community, Chuck lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and boundless generosity. Chuck never knew a stranger. He cherished time spent with his family and friends, summers at Birch Lake where he loved fishing, boating and taking a “dip”. In the winters, he enjoyed regular family ski trips out West, where Vail was always the favorite. He rarely passed on an opportunity to support his three daughters and cheer for his seven grandchildren in their endeavors.

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Elizabeth “Bette” (Dulis) Fortino; loving daughters, Victoria L. Fortino, Peggy A. (Gary) Peretich & Beth F. (Mike) Gabrick; grateful grandchildren, Andy, Katie, Erin, Charlie, Annie, Meghan & David as well as a host of dear friends at Maple Park Village,

Visitation for Chuck will begin at 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 14th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. A luncheon immediately follows at the church. Interment and final services will be Wednesday, July 15th at 12:00 PM at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Elkhart, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Chuck’s name to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com