Donald James Fortenbacher

Donald J. Fortenbacher of Stoneham passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service to his family, friends, and community.

Born on August 27, 1954, in Melrose and raised in Malden, Don was the beloved son of the late James Fortenbacher and Joanne (Hulscher) Fortenbacher. He was the devoted husband of Diana (Micale) Fortenbacher; loving father of Donald Fortenbacher and his wife, Angela, and Danielle Gasbarro and her husband, Daniel; cherished grandfather of Antonio, Matteo, Robert, Evan, and Michael; and dear brother of Nancy LaBelle and her husband, Ray.

Don graduated from Malden High School in 1972, the same year he met the love of his life, Diana. They married in 1978 and shared a beautiful life together built on love, faith, family, and unwavering devotion. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Salem State College in 1976 and soon afterward opened the first of two successful laundromats, beginning a career defined by hard work, determination, and entrepreneurship.

Don found his fulfillment in helping others. For many years, he volunteered with Stoneham Youth Sports, helping establish and grow youth soccer and basketball programs. He served as a referee, coach, board member of Stoneham Youth Basketball, and later as a collegiate coach at Endicott College. His leadership, encouragement, and dedication left a lasting impact on generations of young athletes.

Always ready to lend a helping hand, Don was the person everyone called when something needed fixing. Whether repairing a home, offering advice, or quietly helping someone in need, he generously shared his time and talents without ever expecting anything in return. He also supported numerous charitable causes throughout his life, including fundraising efforts for veterans, the Pan-Mass Challenge, and organizations that held special meaning to him.

Above all, Don was devoted to his family. His wife, children, and especially his five grandsons were the center of his world. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at sporting events, school plays, concerts, and life’s milestones, always their biggest supporter.

Don also welcomed countless family members and friends into his home. Whether hosting holidays, preparing family feasts, or standing behind the grill, he had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. His influence extended well beyond his own children, as he became a trusted mentor, role model, and father figure to many.

He cherished summers at the family’s lake house in Barrington, a treasured retreat that had remained in the Fortenbacher family for nearly four generations. There he created lifelong memories fishing with his children and grandsons, enjoying family striper fishing trips, and simply spending time together. He also took great pride in making homemade wine, naming each batch after his grandsons.

Don will be remembered for his quick wit, warm sense of humor, generous heart, and unwavering willingness to help others. His greatest accomplishment was the life he built with Diana and the loving foundation they created for their children and grandchildren; a legacy of kindness, family, and service that will endure for generations.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Don’s family on Sunday, August 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service Celebrating Don’s Eternal Life in the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (Route 28), Stoneham. Parking attendants and an elevator are available.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers in Don’s memory, a cause that was especially meaningful to him by referring to the link below.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome