James D. Fortunato (Jim) 83, of Smyrna, Delaware, formerly of Holmes Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on August 20th, 2022.

He was born on October 20th, 1938, in Southwest Philadelphia to Marie & Ferdinand Fortunato.

Jim attended Good Shepard Grade School & graduated from Ridley Township High School in 1957.

Jim enlisted into the US Army on December 14th, 1961 & was honorably discharged on December 10th, 1963. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Jim also served in the Army Reserves until December 13th, 1967.

In 1964 Jim met his soulmate Catherine, and in June of 1966 they were married & went on to create a beautiful family that he loved so very much.

Jim had a very strong work ethic & worked for Claymont Steel in Delaware, then onto a Financial Group in Philadelphia.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Catherine Fortunato & their 5 children, Jim (Melissa), David (Caroline), Joe, Kim (John), John (Sara); 11 grandchildren whom he adored, & many nieces & nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Marie & Ferdinand & his Siblings, Louis, Rose, Francis, Dorothy & Joseph.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9-10:30 AM Thursday September 1 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St Polycarp Catholic Church, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna. Committal services will be 1 PM at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear DE. A reception will follow at the Chesapeake Inn, 605 2nd St, Chesapeake City MD, 21915.

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Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.