Vincent Harold Fortado

Vincent Harold Fortado passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2026, at the age of 48 with his family by his side. He was born on November 30, 1977. He grew up in Metairie and stayed there until he graduated high school.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Linda Couch Fortado.

He is survived by his father Harold E. Fortado Jr., his siblings Dwayne E. Fortado (Gina), Lori F. Anderson (Steve) his nephew Justin Fortado (Brittany), his niece Katie Higgins (Patrick), his great nephew’s Braylon Fortado & Dawson Higgins and his great niece’s Kynlee Fortado & Abigail Higgins.

Vincent was an accomplished musician. Vincent attended Holy Cross High School. He graduated in 1996 with honors and was selected to the honor band every year until he graduated. In his senior year he auditioned and was selected to be a part of the Ark-La-Tex Honor Band and was also selected to perform in the National Honor Band where he was one of the first Clarinetists and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. After high school he attended LSU on a scholarship. He performed in the LSU Tiger Band and in addition, he was a Clarinetist in the Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Orchestra. He graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s in music education. After he graduated from LSU, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 8 years in Heidelberg Germany as a Sergeant and played in the US Army Europe Band and traveled. He performed at the celebration of Normandy and performed at the Kremlin in Moscow along with many other places during his time in Europe. After leaving the army he received a master’s degree in music education from Texas Tech University. He was accepted and attended the Conservatory of Music in Sydney Australia to continue his music education. He recently got accepted to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music to complete his doctoral degree.

Vincent had a zest for life. He loved to travel and explore new adventures. His love for music and his talents touched so many lives. He was a true, loyal friend to all who met and knew him. He was deeply rooted in his faith and remained steadfast in it through life relying on the Lord for guidance. His love for his family was the core of who Vincent was and he never veered from that. He never forgot where he came from and he always knew where home was.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, Metairie, LA. Visitation will be held from 9AM-11AM, with a military service to begin at 11AM. Inurnment will be at the Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, MS on Monday, September 14, 2026 @ 12:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to The American Cancer Society.