Louis Fortino was born on February 15, 1922 in Grand Haven, Michigan to Frank and Rose Piccolo Fortino. He passed away at home on March 12, 2016 surrounded by family. His youth was spent in the Sellwood/West Moreland neighborhood where he attended St. Agatha and Llewellyn Elementary Schools and Washington High School. He managed a crew of paperboys, as well as delivering the newspaper himself to pay his tuition at the University of Portland. Lou enlisted in the Navy during World War II. As part of his officers training, he attended Willamette and Columbia Universities. He served as a Lieutenant on the Bladen in the battles at Okinawa and Iwo Jima.

After returning from the war he met the love of his life – a nurse who also served in the Army during WW II in the Philippines – Theresa Valentine. They soon married and had 5 children: Frank, Margaret, Carol, Jeanine and Mary. Lou worked at Allstate Insurance Co. for 32 years as a Portland Office Manager and retired as a Senior Claims Adjuster. He and Terry retired in 1984 and spent many wonderful years traveling the world, playing with their many grandchildren, making wine, and of course, golfing.

Lou was a man of strong religious principles, humility, generosity and affection. He was an excellent role model to his children through his many volunteer activities with Little League, Holy Trinity Parish, Paesano Club, St. Francis Food Hall, University of Portland Alumni Assn., Meals on Wheels, and the Cedar Mill Library, just to name a few.

Lou lived a long and purposeful life that touched many, most especially his bride of 68 years and his children. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jason and Jordan Matin; Lauren, Jessica and Lisa Fortino; and Louis, Cecilia and Julia Atkins. Two grandsons, Louis Fortino and Max Atkins, predecease Lou.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church – 13715 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Oregon Food Bank or St. Mary’s Home for Boys.