James Fortuna, Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Passes
James Fortuna, who served as a Commissioner of Planning and Zoning for many years, passed away this morning. Fortuna was secretary during much of his time on the commission.
Commissioner Fortuna was a giving, dedicated, and caring Commissioner, Democrat, and all around great friend. I'm thankful for his service and guidance these last few years that I've been able to serve with him. Jim will be missed dearly.
Jim was one the city's most committed citizens, as his record of service on various committees shows: Conservation Commission: March 94-present Design & Preservation Review Bd: Feb 94 -present Planning & Zoning: Nov 1995 - present Redevelopment Agency: June 1996 - May 2010
It wasn't only that he served, he was always present. Looking over the past decade on P&Z, Jim missed only a couple meetings 7 years ago and one last year. That must be one of the best records of anyone in city history. We shall miss him.
I'm sorry to attach this comment to the obituary of Mr. Fortuna, who I'm sure was a wonderful person. There seems no other place to ask this question -- why has "passed" become the universal euphemism for dying? Death is what happens to us all eventually. I'm not sure what "passing" is all about.
Jim was truly dedicated to serving Middletown. He was so proud of his service to the town. I sat next to Jim for several years on the P& Z Commission. Jim was quiet man, yet when he spoke his words had meaning! We shared a few laughs even during the most turbulent of times!
Jim was kind and thoughtful. After the passing of his sister, a teacher, he thoughtfully passed along books and supplies for my children. Jim had a grand smile and delightful chuckle as a laugh.
David- you beat me to it, but as someone who learns something everyday about the history our town, I will always remember Mr. Fortuna and how much he loved Cherry St. Let us never forgot!
The WRA will sorely miss Jim's community involvement, especially his long service as a commissioner on Planning and Zoning. Arline Rich, who as chair of the WRA has attended P&Z meetings for as long as anybody, commented, "I can't remember when he ever missed a P&Z meeting!"
Jim was an associate member of the WRA, and with his pleasant disposition, he was a great joy to have at our annual picnic.
Jim was a model public servant whose devotion to the City of Middletown was legendary. I will particularly miss his wry and understated sense of humor which helped P&Z Commissioners get through many a late night meeting. It was a pleasure to count him as a colleague and a friend.
Commissioner Fortuna was a very dedicated P & Z commissioner. He always greeted me with smile at both the P & Z meetings and at the post office where I saw him frequently. His service to Middletown and it's citizens will never be forgotten. Thank you Jim for all you have done for us. I was looking forward to working with Jim at P & Z. He will be dearly missed.
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Commissioner Fortuna was a giving, dedicated, and caring Commissioner, Democrat, and all around great friend. I'm thankful for his service and guidance these last few years that I've been able to serve with him.
ReplyDeleteJim will be missed dearly.
Jim was one the city's most committed citizens, as his record of service on various committees shows:
ReplyDeleteConservation Commission: March 94-present
Design & Preservation Review Bd: Feb 94 -present
Planning & Zoning: Nov 1995 - present
Redevelopment Agency: June 1996 - May 2010
It wasn't only that he served, he was always present. Looking over the past decade on P&Z, Jim missed only a couple meetings 7 years ago and one last year. That must be one of the best records of anyone in city history. We shall miss him.
I served with Jim and he was the model of a great Middletown volunteer. Let's hope that the reality of Cherry Street remains alive.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to attach this comment to the obituary of Mr. Fortuna, who I'm sure was a wonderful person. There seems no other place to ask this question -- why has "passed" become the universal euphemism for dying? Death is what happens to us all eventually. I'm not sure what "passing" is all about.
ReplyDeleteJim was truly dedicated to serving Middletown. He was so proud of his service to the town. I sat next to Jim for several years on the P& Z Commission. Jim was quiet man, yet when he spoke his words had meaning! We shared a few laughs even during the most turbulent of times!
ReplyDeleteJim was kind and thoughtful. After the passing of his sister, a teacher, he thoughtfully passed along books and supplies for my children. Jim had a grand smile and delightful chuckle as a laugh.
He gave much to this city. Thank you Jim!
Deborah Kleckowski
David- you beat me to it, but as someone who learns something everyday about the history our town, I will always remember Mr. Fortuna and how much he loved Cherry St. Let us never forgot!
ReplyDeleteThe WRA will sorely miss Jim's community involvement, especially his long service as a commissioner on Planning and Zoning. Arline Rich, who as chair of the WRA has attended P&Z meetings for as long as anybody, commented, "I can't remember when he ever missed a P&Z meeting!"
ReplyDeleteJim was an associate member of the WRA, and with his pleasant disposition, he was a great joy to have at our annual picnic.
We will miss him.
(Stephen Devoto, on behalf of the WRA)
Jim was a model public servant whose devotion to the City of Middletown was legendary. I will particularly miss his wry and understated sense of humor which helped P&Z Commissioners get through many a late night meeting. It was a pleasure to count him as a colleague and a friend.
ReplyDeleteCommissioner Fortuna was a very dedicated P & Z commissioner. He always greeted me with smile at both the P & Z meetings and at the post office where I saw him frequently. His service to Middletown and it's citizens will never be forgotten. Thank you Jim for all you have done for us. I was looking forward to working with Jim at P & Z. He will be dearly missed.
ReplyDelete