"Coach" Paul Fortunate passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 31st, 2023 with his loving wife and son by his side. Born May 30th,1950, in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the eldest son of Guy P. and Isabelle (Montalbo) Fortunate. He was proud to share his birthday with his mother.

He was educated in local schools, graduating from Niagara Falls High School in 1968. He went on to graduate from D'Youville College with a degree in Special Education, and a Master's in Education from Niagara University.

Paul was inspired to become a special education teacher because of his experience in helping Ruth LoTempio begin the City of Niagara Falls Summer Special Recreation Program for children with developmental and physical disabilities.

He began his teaching career in 1975 at Wyndham Lawn Home for Children in Lockport. Then, Paul taught Special Education in the Niagara Falls Public Schools for over 30 years. Throughout that time, he taught at 99th Street School, Gaskill Middle School where he also served as yearbook advisor, and ended his career at Niagara Falls High School, retiring in 2005.

During his many years of teaching, he also enjoyed coaching football, where he was affectionately known as "Coach." He coached JV and Varsity Football for Niagara Falls High School, eventually serving as the Head Coach at LaSalle Senior High School. He transitioned with Niagara Falls High School becoming the Head Coach of the new Wolverines team for the 2000-2001 season. He was very active in the NFHS and LaSalle Football Boosters.

Paul married the love of his life, Sophie (Gniazdowski) on December 2nd,1972. Together they enjoyed taking road trips while trying different restaurants, the highlight being their cross-country trip with their son. They also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills and spending time with their friends and family including the members of the Stadium Grill Sportsmen Club, where he served as secretary.

He was the ultimate coach in all aspects, being a teacher both on and off the field. He was a coach for his students, his football players and his son, always guiding and encouraging. He always had a compliment for each of his players.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sophie (Gniazdowski) Fortunate, and son, Mark Fortunate (Shari Mastropierro).

He is also survived by his brother Guy M. (Anna) Fortunate and sister, Annmarie (Thomas) Marino, brother-in-law, Stan Gniazdowski and sister-in-law, Jeannine Fortunate, his best friend Gerry Senese, godchild Elizabeth Bernardoni, as well as several dear nieces and nephews (Joelle, Jessica, Michael, Matthew, Elaina, Julia, Nick, Teresa, and Anthony). Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Vito Fortunate, mother-and father-in-law Stanley and Emily Gniazdowski, and sister-in-law, Cynthia Gniazdowski.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his care team from Niagara Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.  Paul's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Holy Family Parish at Mt. Carmel Church, 27th and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.  Please assemble at church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org/, The ALS Association of Upstate NY, https://donate.uny.als.org/, or to Niagara Hospice, https://www.niagarahospice.org/donate/. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.