Roland James Fornataro, Sr.

October 3, 1935 - February 22, 2022

SAN DIEGO, CA — Roland James Fornataro, Sr., was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania and passed away peacefully at his home with his wife, Erina Patricia Fornataro and his family members by his side. Roland is survived by his wife Erina of 62 years, his sons Roland Jr., Martin and his daughter Angela (Keith Mcmahill) and seven grandchildren, Roland III, Victoria, Cameron, Amanda, Nicholas, Noah and Angiovanna, with a great-grandson on the way. He was very proud of his children.

Roland graduated from New Castle High School, where he and his wife Erina were high school sweethearts. Roland graduated from the University of Pittsburg in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Roland and Erina moved to San Diego, California in 1959 and have lived here and in Hawaii.

Roland retired in 1996 from the County of San Diego, Department of Public Works, as an Associate Civil Engineer. He also had a lifetime teaching credential for the California Community Colleges.

Roland was proud of his Italian heritage and was active in the Italian community where he served as President of the Italian American Civic Association and was an organizer for the Columbus Day Parades. He also served as an usher at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, was on the senior volunteer patrol for Chula Vista and served on the San Diego Crime Commission.

Roland had a generous heart and many friends. He will be deeply missed by his wife and family. A viewing will be held on March 14, 2022, at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the funeral mass will be at Our Lady of the Rosary Church on March 15, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southern Caregiver Resource Center on Roland’s behalf (https:// www.caregivercenter.org/ general-donations).

Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com