FORTINA, Francis John (Fran), Jan 3, 1929 Dec 23, 2011. Francis loved God and enjoyed celebrating mass all of his life. Over the years, he was a member of St Cecilia, St James, St Elizabeth Ann Seton and Boys Town parishes. Along with the love of his life, wife Cassie, he often offered the Eucharistic Ministry. Fran graduated from Omaha University with an Economics degree and a minor in Fine Arts. After college Fran was drafted into the Army and served a tour of duty in Korea. He married Cassie in 1952 shortly before his overseas deployment. Their union was blessed with seven children. Fran loved being a father as much as Cassie loved being a mother. Parenthood agreed with them. Fran started his tile installation company in 1957 and it is still doing business today. He was a talented artist, working in many mediums. He was known for his oil paintings and water colors and for the elaborate bird houses that he built and painted. Throughout the years he showed many pieces of his art at the Rockbrook Village Art Show and this year at the Countryside Village Art Show, making new friends and gaining aficionados of his work. As an active member of the Horseless Carriage Club for many years, Fran had a passion for antique and sports cars. His collection included a 1927 Packard and the original Minis from England which he enjoyed racing on the country roads. In 1975 Cassie and he bought property that soon became known as The Farm. They completely renovated the old cattle barn and enjoyed many years living in the barn-house, sharing it with friends and family and hosting numerous parties and holiday gatherings. They were known for their New Years Eve parties that included music and dancing into the early morning hours. Fran loved the outdoors and working on the farm. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed weekly rounds with his friends up until his passing. He was an active member of the Sons of Italy and enjoyed participating in the Italian Heritage Society volunteering for the La Festa Italiana regularly. He was preceded in death by his wife Cassie, his siblings Carl and Rosemary and his parents Joseph and Margaret. Survived by children: Martin Fortina, Michaela and Larry Forst, Kevin Fortina, Brian Fortina, Karen and Scott Labs, Paul Fortina, Lisa and Andrew Naylor; grandchildren: Amy Beth Fortina, Emmy and Jason Neuman, Michael and Jessica Nebbia, Joey Nebbia, Dominic and Kalani Fortina, Salina Fortina, and Zach Labs; great-grandchildren, Donovan and Damien Foster; He was preceded in death by his wife Cassie, his siblings Carl and Rosemary and his parents Joseph and Margaret. Survived by children: Martin Fortina, Michaela and Larry Forst, Kevin Fortina, Brian Fortina, Karen and Scott Labs, Paul Fortina, Lisa and Andrew Naylor; grandchildren: Amy Beth Fortina, Emmy and Jason Neuman, Michael and Jessica Nebbia, Joey Nebbia, Dominic and Kalani Fortina, Salina Fortina, and Zach Labs; great-grandchildren, Donovan and Damien Foster; brother-in-law, Michael Casasola; sister-in-law, Relda Fortina; cousin, Helga Stoudamire; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Fran always lived life to the fullest. His home-spun humor and enthusiasm always helped to lighten the load. His spirit, sense of humor, kindness, generosity and ever-present helping hand will be missed by many. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 5pm to 7pm, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm at the West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Wednesday, 11:15am, St. Cecilia Cathedral. Interment, Calvary Cemetery with military rites by Benson VFW Post 2503.
HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900
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