Mary S. Fortino

Mary Sweeney Fortino, age 67, passed away at her home inBoca Raton, Florida on January 7, 2026. Mary was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and cousin. She was born in New York, New York on June 19, 1958, to Thomas Joseph Sweeney and Mary Armstrong Sweeney. Mary was raised in Vienna, Virginia through 1966, then Army Base Camp Chinen,  Okinawa through 1969. Mary returned to Vienna, Virginia, and stayed through 1976 when she started college. Mary was part of a loving, extended Irish-American family.  Mary graduated with honors from  Arlington’s Bishop O’Connell High School in 1976, where she was a member of various honor societies, spiritual benefit societies, and service organizations.  She went on to graduate from The University of Virginia,  McIntire School of Commerce with distinction in 1980. Mary spent one year at E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company and returned to The University of Virginia and earned a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law in 1984. Mary was admitted to the Bar in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey. From 1984 through 2005, Mary was associated with the firms Kelley Drye & Warren, Finley Kumble, Ross & Cohen, McGuire Woods, and Reed Smith.  

Fate introduced Mary to her future husband, Michael Angelo Fortino, at DuPont’s new finance employee orientation on June 30, 1980. While Mary’s plan was to attain professional experience over the year before entering law school, her life plan now encompassed a future of love and marriage. On May 30, 1987, Mary and Michael were married at the Church of Our Saviour in New York, New York and went on to enjoy 38 wonderful years of marriage.

While living in New York, Mary and Michael were blessed with the first of three children, Michael Armstrong Fortino in 1989.  The family moved to Richmond, Virginia, where James Francis Fortino was born in 1991. Mary Elizabeth Fortino arrived in 1994 after the family relocated to Princeton Junction, New Jersey. The family has resided in Boca Raton, Florida since 2005 and belongs to Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.

While raising her family and practicing law, Mary always gave of herself and served others. She provided pro bono legal services to those unable to pay, taught religious education, and volunteered for church, civic, and youth sports activities. Even as her health declined, Mary readily offered counsel and compassion to others afflicted with Lyme Disease.  

As Mary’s health declined, her husband Michael cared for her until her death on January 7, 2026.  Mary is survived by her husband Michael Angelo Fortino, her children, Michael Armstrong Fortino of New York, New York,  James Francis Fortino of Weston, Florida, Mary Elizabeth Fortino of Rochester, Michigan, and her brother Joseph Sweeney of Williamsburg, Virginia. Mary was predeceased by her older brother Thomas Sweeney.  Mary was devoted to her Roman Catholic faith and family, always giving service and sharing her strong faith.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to Catholic Charities of Palm Beach – Elder Affairs at www.ccdpb.org or 561-775-9560.

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