George M. Fortino, of East Haven and Leetes Island, Guilford, beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, died Dec. 18 at Connecticut Hospice, Branford. He was the husband of 46 years to Rita Himes Fortino. Mr. Fortino was born Nov. 2, 1944, in New Haven, son of Faye Manna Fortino of East Haven, and the late Frank J. Fortino.

He worked for Barton Liquor Distributors for many years until retiring. He was an avid sports fan, especially of college football and basketball, and the Boston Red Sox.

Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by a sister, Linda (Jack) Ferraiolo of East Haven; nephews Michael (Denise) Ferraiolo of Clinton and Jack (Christina Indich) Ferraiolo of North Haven; and cherished great-nephew Michael Ferraiolo and great-niece Gabrielle Ferraiolo. He was predeceased by his stepfather L.P. Florio.

His funeral left the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford, on Dec. 22 for a Mass of Christian burial in St. Vincent de Paul Church, East Haven. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford. Friends called Dec. 21. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. For an online memorial, please visit www.wsclancy.com.