DURHAM- Donald “Don” Fortini, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday December 8, 2016 at Duke University Hospital. Don was born August 3, 1925 to the late Anthony John Fortini and Marjorye Haftel Fortini.
Don proudly served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He was a member of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Don had a huge charismatic personality…an off the charts extrovert and a dominating presence. He had a loving relationship with his children and grandchildren. Don always took great interest to know what they were doing and had the gift to make each one laugh. The family is extremely grateful to have had such a caring husband, father, and grandfather.
Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Earle Fortini; his sons, Anthony Craig Fortini of Naples, FL; Brian Earle Fortini and wife, Nancy Jane Chapel of Encinitas, CA; his daughters, Linda Ellen Fortini of Stamford, CT; Laura Louise Weaver and husband, James of Durham; and Tracy Ann Fortini and husband, Lloyd Evan Davis of El Cerrito, CA; his daughter-in-law, Kelly Ann Fortini of Pompano Beach, FL; his grandchildren, Wesley Fortini, John Fortini, Emma Fortini, William Fortini, Hannah Fortini, Galen Wilson, Hayden Fortini, Taylor Fortini, Brian Fortini, Ethan Davis and his beloved cat, Sam.
Don was preceded in death by his son, Victor Scott Fortini and his sister, Joan Marjorie Resnick.
A memorial service will be held 2:00PM, on Monday, December 12, 2016 at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church with Rev. Katie Crowe officiating. A reception will follow service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church, 927 W. Trinity Ave. Durham, NC 27701.
The Fortini family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.
Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com, select obituaries.
George C. Simms
December 22, 2016 at 12:28 pmHello Nancy and family,
Please let me add to what I wrote earlier today in Don’s Stamford Advocate guest book.
First, let me apologize for misidentifying one of the boys in the Tamarack photo. After all, it was 55 years ago, and I can be forgiven. It was taken just minutes after Joe Marra had won the Club Championship, and we had been an enthusiastic, but well-behaved, part of his small gallery over the last few holes, bathing suits and all. That was a wonderful time for our families to have grown close. We saw each other often, we ate well, we swam and golfed — surrounded by a lot of very nice folks who became friends. It was a nicer era in history than today, I’m afraid.
But Don had a lot of the same sensibilities as our Dad. They knew the value of honesty and respect. They showed it to others, and taught it to their children by example. And they loved to laugh, be with their friends, play as much golf as possible — but most of all, provide for the well-being and security of their families.
I admired Don so much for his kindness to me, his inclusiveness, and his great sense of humor (very little of which can be printed here). He had a lot of “chutzpah,” but it was definitely Italian-style. I’ll never forget his beaming smile, and his joy at being around his family. Dad told me about a round of golf he played with Don, who had hurt his right elbow and could only use his left arm to swing the club. I think Dad said he shot 80-something.
Finding Don’s notice in the Advocate, I had a second shock. I hadn’t realized that you had lost Scott. On behalf of my family, I offer our condolences to you. All our memories of him are happy ones.
Incidentally, our Mom is coming up on one year in very nice assisted living in Stamford. She’s 91 and still walks and is of sound body, but is too forgetful to cook, drive or live alone. Having lots of people around is what she really needs now — warmth, comfort and security. And no more dealing with the furnace, hot water, bill paying, or anything else. We’re comforted to know she’s there.
Warm thoughts from our family to yours,
—George C. Simms