Obituary
Fortunato J. Mendes Jr., 77, of East Providence, Rhode Island, passed away unexpectedly on February 5th. Fortunato was the son of Fortunato and Harriet Mendes. He grew up with a large, loving family and often shared stories about living on Valley Street with his five sisters, Maria Perry, Dorothy Shorts, Alethia Mitchell, Rev. Julia Doutaz, Harriot Sargent (deceased), and his brother, James Mendes (deceased).
He was passionate about Civil Rights and after graduating from the University of Rhode Island and Howard School of Law, practiced law in Washington, D.C. where he represented indigent defendants. He had the utmost confidence in his abilities and often tried new hobbies, including raising farm animals, gardening and canning. Just as he regarded all experiences in life, Fortunato Mendes managed his final difficult years with strength and grace, and continued to help those around him. Most of all, he exuded pride in the accomplishments of his children, whom he adored more than anything else in the world.
He is survived by his children, Fortunato Mendes III; Dr. Asante Mendes and his wife, Ruth Mendes; Andrea Martin and her husband, Jeff Martin; Saidah Glass and her husband Dallas Glass; DeMarco Mendes; Solomon Jones and many grandchildren.
Services are private. Interment at Har Sinai Cemetery, Garrison Forest Road. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Anti-Defamation League, 605 Third Avenue, NY, NY 10158.
Arrangements by Sol Levinson. www.sollevinson.com