George John Fortunato, Sr. 72
George John Fortunato, Sr. 72, of Dameron, MD died on Thursday, July 15, 2004 at the St. Mary’s Nursing Center, Leonardtown, MD.

Born on November 13, 1931 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Virginia Rodano Fortunato.

Mr. Fortunato served his country in the US Army from July 23, 1952 until July 2, 1954, receiving the Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Medal. From 1954 until 1975, he spent his summers and weekends in St. Mary’s County. In 1992 he made it his permanent residence. He attended St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in St. Mary’s City. He was a member of the National Italian American Foundation, Steamfitters Local #602 and the Elks Lodge. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, traveling, eating, clock repair and building boat models.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Elliott Fortunato whom he married on October 20, 1962 in Washington, DC, a son George John Fortunato, Jr. of Falls Church, VA, five sisters, Josephine Becker of Punta Gorda, FL, Mary Peglow, of Yorktown, VA, Rose Warlick, of Arlington, VA, Phyllis Hickman, of Waldorf, MD and Carolyn Cogan, of North Port, FL, three brothers, Nicholas Richard Fortunato, of Roanoke, VA, Joseph Fortunato, of Woodstock, VA and Edward Fortunato of Fort Washington, MD. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Fortunato on October 2, 1997.

The Reverend Damian Shadwell will conduct a graveside service on Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 10:00 am at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.