Silvio P. “Sil” Fortino, MD

  Age 93, of East Lansing, MI, formerly of Okemos, MI, passed away on May 29, 2014.  Known as Sil to family and friends, was passionate, caring and a dedicated physician who practiced family medicine for over 39 years in the Lansing area.  He was born on March 1, 1921 in Alma, MI to Geovanni (Scarcello) and Michael Fortino.

He married the love of his life, Silena (Luchini) on June 17, 1944.  He is survived by 2 children, Stephen (Polly) Fortino of Lansing and Kathryn (Dr. Ronald) Barrette of Selma, AL; 4 grandchildren, Anne E. Fortino of Seattle, WA and Lindsey D. Fortino of Ann Arbor, MI, Lauren (Russell) Gambrell of Rochester, MN and Amanda (Dr. Robert) Collins of Tuscaloosa, AL; 1 great-granddaughter, Madelyn Kathryn Collins; and a very special niece, Nancy (Dr. Eric) Bates. He was preceded in death by brothers Alfred (Mary Alice) Fortino and Mario “Sam” (Olga) Fortino, DDS, and sisters Betty Metz and Marion (Gene) Aquino.

He touched many lives and will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, patients and colleagues, and will be deeply missed.  He attended Alma College where he earned a BS Degree and received his Medical Degree from Marquette School of Medicine in 1945, completing his internship and residency at Edward W. Sparrow Hospital.  Sil was a member of the basketball team both in high school and college.  His college team was undefeated in 1942 and played in the Division III Championship in Kansas City where they won one and lost one.  He joined the V12 Program in 1942 and was sent to Great Lakes Naval Station in 1943, joining the Michigan National Guard in 1946, retiring as a Division Surgeon in 1965 as a Lt. Colonel.   As a Fellow in the Academy of Family Practice, Sil was a Past President of the Ingham Medical Society; Chief of Staff of Sparrow Hospital, where he was also Chair of the Department of Family Practice; a 10-year member of the Sparrow Hospital Board of Directors, and a Board Member at Carson City Hospital.  He was a Past President of the Country Club of Lansing, and was a member of the Alumni Board of Alma College, where he received the 1997 George A. Herbert Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding loyalty and service to Alma College.   His most celebrated honor was his induction into the Sparrow Physician’s Hall of Fame.  He was a member of St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church of Williamston, MI.  When he wasn’t practicing medicine you could find him out on the golf course with his late brother, Sam.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife both in and out of the country, and also enjoyed his summer home at Crystal Lake.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church, 4650 Meridian Road, Williamston, MI, with The Very Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr. officiating.  The family will receive friends at a memorial visitation from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI.  In memory of Dr. Fortino, those desiring may make donations to the Sparrow Foundation or Alma College.

Print Obituary

One Message on “Silvio P. “Sil” Fortino, MD

Print Messages
The Bedfords
June 2, 2014 at 12:05 pm

We are so sorry to hear of Sil’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a great doctor. The Bedford’s feel honored to have had his friendship and he will be missed. Our condolences to Si, Stephen and Kathryn.

Reply

Please Sign The Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *