Madeline Fortunato

Madeline Carol Fortunato, a longtime resident of Monroe Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the age of 95.

Madeline was born on February 12, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York.
As a young girl she enjoyed roller skating and the fashionable outfits that went along with it. She attended All Girls Commercial High School in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. While in high school, she worked at the New York Public Library, and following graduation, she began her career with the New York Telephone Company.

Madeline later met the love of her life, Daniel “Donato” Fortunato, on a blind date. Their loving and devoted relationship blossomed into marriage and a beautiful family of four children.

A devout Catholic, Madeline cherished attending Sunday Mass. She had a lifelong love of reading, crocheting, and needlepoint. She created beautiful blankets, clothing, and other handmade treasures that she lovingly gifted to family and friends, all of which will continue to be cherished and passed down through generations.

Madeline also had a wonderful green thumb and took great delight in caring for her plants. She was especially passionate about preserving nature and often expressed her love for the environment, including her appreciation for saving trees. A gifted writer, she left behind poems and writings that her family will treasure forever.

Madeline was a member of the Italian American Club and the American Legion in her community, where she enjoyed writing articles that were published in their monthly newsletters. She was known for her wisdom, kindness, wonderful sense of humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Above all, Madeline's greatest joy was her family and friends. She was always there with wise advice, friendly conversation, and, of course, a home-cooked meal. She especially treasured Sunday dinners surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took immense pride in each of them and remained deeply interested in their daily activities and all they accomplished throughout their lives.

One of the many things her family loved about Madeline was her remarkable ability to recite all of the Presidents of the United States. Family members would often ask her to recite them during gatherings or whenever someone new came along, and she never failed to delight everyone with her incredible memory.

Madeline was predeceased by her parents James and Carmela Cardella and her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Daniel “Donato” Fortunato.

She is survived by her beloved children: Rocco Fortunato and his wife, Donna; James Fortunato and his wife, Joan; Carmel Laterza and her husband, Cesar; and Daniel Fortunato Jr. and his wife, Susanna.

She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Rocco and Robin, Deanna and Sean, Jamie and Brian, Michael and Monica, Carlo, Alexa and Michael, and Daniel and Alyssa.

She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Autumn and Kayla, Amber and Jon, Sophia, Mary, Grace, Shauna, Dylan and Bella, Charlie, Ariella, Eliana and great great grandchildren Kyler, and Kaycen.

Madeline is also survived by her brother, Frank Cardella and his wife, Magda, along with their family, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Madeline will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. Her kindness, wisdom, creativity, and unwavering love for her family will remain a lasting part of her legacy and live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Rest peacefully with Dad, our amazing and beautiful mother. Until we meet again, you will forever remain in our hearts.

We invite you to honor the memory of Madeline by sharing your stories, memories, and pictures on her memorial page at www.lestermemorialhome.com. Your shared memories will serve as a tribute to the remarkable life led by Madeline, a woman whose courage, love, generosity, and compassion touched us all.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Foundation- https://www.stjude.org

A Funeral Mass on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, 18 South Street, Spotswood, New Jersey 08884. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Cross Burial Park 840 Cranbury South River Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

Funeral Arrangements are under the respectful care and direction of Funeral Director: Christine A. Cuoco and Lester Memorial Home at 16 West Church Street, Jamesburg, New Jersey, 08831