Lawrence T. Fortin obituary

#MiddleburyCT #Obituary

Loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather & brother

Mr. Lawrence “Larry” T. Fortin, 96, of Middlebury, was reunited with his wife in heaven on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Waterbury Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Mildred (Luddy) Fortin for 62 years.

Larry was born in Waterbury, Conn., on November 24, 1927, a son of the late Neil and Mary (Souci) Fortin. Wanting to honorably serve his country, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945, serving during World War II, where he received the World War II Victory Medal, something he was exceptionally proud of. After safely returning home, he worked as a crane operator for Chase Brass & Copper for over 20 years, was a cook at Fortin’s Restaurant, as well as a plater at Dunham Manufacturing.

As a longtime Middlebury resident, he proudly served on the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department where he volunteered his time for over 50 years, being named both captain and deputy chief. During his time with the fire department, Larry received numerous accolades including Hometown Hero Award in 1998, Provider of the Year – Waterbury also in 1998, Waterbury Hospital EMS Provider Award in 2000 and 2002, Ageless Hero Award in 2002 and a Certificate of Recognition for 50 years at the Middlebury Fire Department in 2008. In addition, Larry was a member of the Ambulance Committee and had an ambulance named after him, “Larry’s Limo.” In addition to his career, and time with the fire department, those that knew Larry could attest that he was a true die-hard NY Yankees fan.

Larry leaves to honor and cherish his memory, two daughters, Sandra Graziano of Middlebury and Nancy Gentley and her husband, Ronald, of Naugatuck; a daughter-in-law, Geraldine Fortin; and a sister, Anita Fortin Wrogg of Naugatuck. He also leaves behind his four grandchildren, Traci Alessie, Kimberly Valentin, Gary Graziano, and Denny Graziano and his wife, Kate; his nine great-grandchildren, Ryan, John, Scott, Allysin and her husband, Steven, Amanda, Brandon, Ashlynn, Anthony, and Jaylyn; his six great-great-grandchildren, Briana, Aubrey, Aydan, Noah, Levi and Joshua; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and his pride and joy, his German Shepard, Izzy. He was predeceased by his son Paul Fortin; sons-in-law Anthony N. Graziano and Louis Alessie; his four brothers, Clarence Fortin, Patrick Portwine, Lenny Fortin and Donald Abroe; and four sisters, Geraldine Daddona, Lorraine Vernovai, Marilyn Fortin and Jean Fortin; and a sister-in-law, Irene Fortin.

In lieu of Larry’s love for baseball and the New York Yankees, those attending his October 15 visiting hours were encouraged to wear NY Yankees apparel. The funeral was on October 16 at St. John of the Cross Church, Midd-South Catholic Parish in Middlebury. Burial with full military honors followed at Middlebury Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Middlebury.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Larry’s name to Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, 65 Tucker Hill Road, Middlebury, CT 06762

For more information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.brooksidememorial.com.