Obituary of Josephine Marie Fortunato

Josephine Marie Fortunato

December 18^th, 1931 – December 13^th, 2023

With sadness, we wish to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Josephine Marie Iorio Fortunato.

Josephine was born December 18^th, 1931 in Medina, NY to the late Samuel and Mary Detroya Iorio. She graduated from St. Mary’s Parochial School and Medina High School in 1949, then married the late Vincent H. Fortunato (deceased 2006) in 1953. They moved to Brooklyn, NY for a few years before moving to Pearl River, NY where they lived for the next 50 years and raised their family. Josephine worked at Pearl River Middle School as a teacher’s aide and ultimately became a secretary for the guidance office. She was a girl scout leader for many years and was a member of St. Margaret’s church.

In 2012, Josephine moved to New Canaan, CT and spent many happy years there where she enjoyed being around her family. She avidly swam and exercised at the YMCA, often getting up at 6 A.M. to get an early start. She was a member of St. Aloysius church.

For the last 37 years, Josephine spent her winters in Jupiter, FL, along with her brother, sister, and many relatives. She was so happy to be with her siblings in the sunshine, away from the cold winters.

Josephine cherished her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She felt especially blessed with her great-grandson, Jack, whom she adored.

Josephine is survived by her children; Jon Fortunato (Bernadette), Mary Ellen Reddan (John, deceased 2022); as well as her five grandchildren, John Torpy (Hayley), Matthew Torpy, Janie Reddan, Francesca Fortunato, and Sam Fortunato; her great grandson, Jack; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by all of her siblings; Nicholas Iorio, Samuel Iorio, Louise Sevenski, and Beverly Hewitt.

A mass of Christian Burial will take place this summer in Medina, NY.