Paul Anthony Fortunato

PAUL A. FORTUNATO age 85, beloved husband for 64 years of Gayle (nee Rocco); loving and proud father of Paul Jr. (wife Sarah), Gregory (wife Kimberly), and Jeffrey (wife Melissa); devoted Papa of Michelle, Paul III, Julia, Joseph, Taylor, Charis, Lily, Charlotte, Sophia, and Layla; cherished son of the late Joseph and Michelina (nee Giurbino) Fortunato; brother of Ross and the late Frank and Joseph Fortunato; treasured brother-in-law of Kenneth Rocco; dear uncle, great-uncle, godfather, friend, and role model to many; preceded in death by his canine companions, Pepper and Casper.

Paul was born on January 6, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Paul was a parishioner of St. Gabriel Church for more than 50 years. He grew up near East 110th Street and Woodland Avenue and was a 1960 graduate of John Adams High School. Following his graduation, and like each of his three brothers, he served in the U.S Navy, attaining the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class.

As a youth in the 1950s, he worked at the neighborhood grocery store and as a paperboy delivering The Cleveland Press. As a young husband in the 1960s, he began a career of more than 30 years with The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. During his career, Paul worked in a downtown Cleveland laboratory, where he tested and calibrated instruments; at the Eastlake Power Plant; and ultimately at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, where he served as a Contract Administrator.

Outside of work, Paul found joy in building dollhouses and rocking horses for his grandchildren and in crafting furniture for his family. Most importantly, Paul's proudest accomplishment was being a loving and devoted husband, and a loving and proud Papa to his ten grandchildren.

Proud of his Sicilian and Italian roots, he was a long-time member of the Americans of Italian Heritage. In addition, although not a formal club, his neighborhood group of friends was a central part of his social life, and you could find Paul, without fail, with the same crew at Panera's every Tuesday and Saturday morning.

Paul's calling card was his work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, honesty, integrity, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends. Without question, the center of his life and his greatest joy was his family, especially the love of his life, Gayle. These qualities defined the man he was, the way he lived, and the legacy he leaves for all who knew and loved him. Paul will be dearly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Paul to the Lake County Humane Society HERE.

Family and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd, Concord, OH 44077 at 11 AM. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Private Burial Thursday, July 23, 2026, at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Paul at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY, July 21, 2026, 3-6 PM.