Obituary: Mario Fortunato, 84, Former Rocci Post Commander

Mario Fortunato, 84, passed away on July 11, 2014 after a long illness. He was born in 1929, in Beverly to Donato and Angelina Fortunato. A lifelong Beverly resident, he graduated from Beverly High School, serving as a class president in 1947. Mario graduated with honors from University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he served as Class Treasurer, President of Adelphia - the Men's Honor Society and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. In 1952, he married Rosemarie Casale of Salem while becoming the fifth Fortunato brother to serve in the military. Mario served in the Army until 1954, reaching the rank of first lieutenant in the Army. After his military service, Mario led a distinguished career in the insurance industry, earning several Presidents and Honor Club sales recognition awards while working for John Hancock, Sentry Insurance and Metropolitan Life.

Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to Beverly, serving as the Vittori-Rocci Post commander, coaching local sports teams and organizing the 50th year 1947 Beverly High class reunion in 1997. In appreciation for his lifetime of service, in 2007, the Beverly High Class of 1947 dedicated their 60th reunion to him.

Mario was the beloved husband of Rosemarie, his wife of 62 years, who recently passed away in June. He is survived by his daughter Judy Cagney and her husband Thomas and grandchildren Laurie and Jenna Cagney, his brother, Armand Fortunato and sister, Annette DiVincenzo of Beverly. Mario also leaves behind lifelong friends, a large extended family, and Lynn Feldman, his caregiver for the past 10 years. The family would also like to recognize Chris Tighe and the VA staff for their support of Mario during his illness.

Funeral services will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, Saturday, July 19 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in St Mary's Cemetery, Beverly. Contributions in his memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B102, Danvers MA 01923. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.