I met Sheldon and his family in 1972 when he was in Florida as district manager of Florida locations. Bescar  In Palm Beach and Globe in Cocoa Beach. I was hired to replace him as he was being promoted to District manager over the Leonard Krower location in New Orleans and those in Louisiana and Alabama. We instantly be came friends and bonded with Gerri, Tara.
The Fortunas became our friends immediately.
A few years later I was sent to Houston to be over operations of the Catalog stores.  I was lucky to continue to work closely with Sheldon for years until he left and started his successful Baby stores.
Sheldon was a great friend and a talented merchant. 
Ann and I will miss his friendship.


My Uncle Sheldon was a special man, always smiling, always positive, and always kind.  Unfortunately, life has kept me away from New Orleans since 1986 and i never seen him again after the passing of my Maw Maw Cora Fortuna.  But I’m saddened by this wonderful man’s passing and although my memories are few they are cherished.  

The last time we spoke was after the passing of my brother who died due to heart failure.  I remember him telling me how he so closely was monitoring his heart but he mostly spoke of Tara… my beautiful cousin who was struggling for her life.  It was a huge burden on his heart and I know a part of him was forever gone with her passing.  God Bless you Uncle Sheldon… I always admired you.  You’re with your Tara again! 
Love Randall

Hey Shell, sorry you left before me, I'm older I should have went first.
I remember when we were kids we were always together if you saw one you saw two since we were 10 years old, My Favorite Cousin You and Sylvia what a time we had. I'm sure I'll see you soon and we can be together Again. Until I see that Beautiful smile.
Your Favorite Cus Betty
I LOVE YOU ❤

I worked at Leonarf Krower where Mr. Fortuna was the district manager.  He was always very professional and nice to me.  I worked hard there and worked in Credit Dept as manager.  More title than anything else but I knew the dept in and out and how to do everything  for the store manger to having all the credit depts from  different stores calling me  to ask how to do stuff.  They change to us being over a credit supervisor Jim Thompson and I worked under Marc Mcgruder store manager in the east for approximately 7 yrs.  When Jim took over us we had a disagreement and I walked out on the spot took my register money out counted and put  it in the vault and walked  out of the store.  I received another full time job in insurance and as a auditor and was doing some night courses.  Mr . Fortuna contacted me and ask me to come in.  He asked me if I could work part time and would give me .50 cent raised which was unheard of In retail at that time. Usually 5 and 10 cent raises and 25cents if u were really good. He stated u would never had left if we had treated u right .  I told him I was taking courses for my new job at night at home.  He asked me to work whenever I could and let the manager know each week your schedule . So I went back to work but the store manger at the time was mad bc  I gave him my schedule as opposed to him given it to me. Thank goodness that manger did not last long.  I continued to work part time for another2 1/2 yrs until Leonard Krower went out of business.  The reason I am writing  all this to let u know he was a good man to me for hiring me back after walking out in the middle of my schedule.  He realized what a great employee I was and    I grew as a person to respect management
through him and was thankful to work for him.  I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter and how it made Mr Fortuna have some strokes and his passing .  My prayers go out to you.  I am glad his business was successful.

OBITUARY

Sheldon Anthony Fortuna

May 10, 1937 – November 4, 2021

Grace Funeral Home & St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden

Show your support

Visit the Cemetery

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services

Final Resting Place

Sheldon Anthony Fortuna