Mark Fortino

Mark Allen Fortino, a lifelong resident of Swartz Creek, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 20, 2022, after a short illness. He was 62 years-old. Mark was born in Flint October 26, 1959, the youngest child of Robert D. and Dorothy May (nee Marrah) Fortino of Swartz Creek. He was welcomed into the family by his six older siblings, Paul, Teresa, Mary Ann, Robert Thomas, David, and James. He attended St. Mary’s Queen of Angels School in Swartz Creek and graduated in 1974. He graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1978. Mark joined the family business, Fortino’s Food Market in Swartz Creek, full-time, working side-by-side with his family every day. He was dedicated to the store. After his father’s passing, Mark became a co-owner with his brothers Paul and James. The youngest of a large family, Mark was always willing to help, doing whatever needed to be done. He was loyal to his family, was an exceptionally hard worker, and was loved and well-liked by all, family, friends, and customers alike. His smile was always a welcome greeting in the meat department at Fortino’s. Mark was mechanically-minded from a young age. As he grew older, this interest manifested in a lifelong hobby of restoring cars. He also established a vinyl sign business, which his family remembers as the one of the first such businesses in Genesee County. His signs adorned many businesses and helped people celebrate many happy occasions. The business operated for about 10 years. Like his siblings, Mark was dedicated to his family and to the grocery store. With many nieces and nephews in the family, and he took his role as an uncle seriously. His loss is deeply felt by his family. He is survived by: his siblings, Paul and Judith Fortino of Swartz Creek, Teresa O’Brien of Swartz Creek, Mary Ann and Victor Dipzinski of Clio, Robert Thomas Fortino of Canton, OH, David M. and Mary Fortino of Swartz Creek, and James Fortino of Swartz Creek; 10 nieces and nephews and their families Patrick and Demetrick Wells-O’Brien, Maria Fortino, Alicia and Christopher Marting, Melissa Fortino, Angela Fortino and Benjamin Moulton, Stephanie Fortino, Sara Dipzinski, Victor Dipzinski, Allison Fortino, and Nicholas Fortino; and a great-nephew and great-niece Brandon Marting and Renee Marting. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert D. and Dorothy Fortino, an infant brother, and a niece, Elizabeth Fortino.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4413 Morrish Rd, Swartz Creek, MI 48473 with Fr. Louis Ekka celebrant. Interment will follow at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd.,Swartz Creek Monday, May 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a rosary prayed at 7 p.m. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.