Anthony "Tony" Fortunato, Sr.

Anthony "Tony" Fortunato, Sr., 68, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, April 3, 2023 after a resilient eight year battle with prostate cancer. Tony was a lifelong resident of Downtown Jersey City before retiring to Tampa, Florida in 2014. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, of 43 years, his four beautiful children; Danamarie, Anthony Jr., Alexa, and Victoria, and precious grand-puppies; Laila, Titan, and Eli, all whom he loved more than life itself.  He is predeceased by his father and mother, Dominick Sr. (2017) and Cecilia Fortunato (2003) and his sister, Theresa (2021). He is the cherished brother of Dominick Jr. (ret. JCPD) and his wife, Olga, Michael, lifelong best friend Marty Carfora, and his wife, Joe-Ann; his brothers and sisters-in-law; Elle and Chris Lord, Diane Gargone, Kim and John Fennessy, Ralph and Beth Carbone; as well as a dear uncle to his many nieces and nephews. 

A graduate from Ferris High School, he joined the East Orange Police Department in 1973, serving there until transferring to the Jersey City Police Department in 1976 to follow in his father’s footsteps, serving for over 32 years. During his time on the force, “Tuna,” as many called him, patrolled in the North District, and was later assigned to the Communications Bureau as a Dispatcher where he served until his retirement in July of 2005. He returned back after retirement as a civilian employee and worked as a dispatcher again for a few years before formally resigning due to health complications. He received many awards over the years including Commendations, Excellent Police Service and The 9/11 World Trade Center Award from the JCPD. Tony loved being a police officer and proudly boasted of his time on the force; including memorable stories, partners and mentees who became family, and his lifelong brothers and sisters whom he always spoke of dearly. 

Tony was a diehard fan of the New York Giants - (“Tayluh, how ‘bout them Cowboys?”), the New York Yankees, and the Tampa Bay Lightning, and instilled his love for sports in his children. He loved to listen to Elton John and knew every word to every song. His personality was one in a million. He had the ability to make every person feel welcome in his home, and could always be counted on to make you laugh. He will be missed fiercely by all who loved him. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07306. A final viewing will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 9:30 AM at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM at Holy Rosary Church, 344 6th St., Jersey City, NJ. Live streaming of the Funeral Mass can be viewed at https://boxcast.tv/view/anthony-fortunato-funeral-mass-kksjxfxruc2hkozrnser or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/514465467568283?ref=newsfeed Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paws Rescue Group at  www.pawsrescuegroup.com/donate/