Birth date: Jun 2, 1976 Death date: Jun 2, 2026
Daniel Clayton Fortun, "Danny", passed away at his home after celebrating his 50th birthday with his wife and children. He was born on June 2, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Michel Read Obituary
Prayers for family and friends 🙏🏻
Mighty Joe, Vanilla Gorilla
Danny:
Mighty Joe may have been your name, but Vanilla Gorilla was who you truly were. Out of the countless memories we shared, the one that has stuck with me and gave you a whole new identity since January 2002 is the day Fredo met you. It was iconic. Iykyk
I have my own memories with you because MeMe is my cousin, but in reality, she’s my sister—and that made you my brother. Forever.
The reason I bring up this memory, out of so many others, is because it was the day my husband met you and finally understood exactly where you stood when it came to MeMe and me. It was funny as hell—you just had to be there.
We wore the same shoes, laughed at the same people, and through it all, you became my boy. I loved you then, and I still do.
Sophia came along so early, but I traveled to see her for MeMe and for you. You wanted to make sure Michelle was supported when she had to travel over an hour to see y’alls firstborn.
That’s who you were.
I appreciated all the love you gave the boys. I loved how you shared your memorabilia with them and taught them about the characters you loved. I loved how, when they both passed you in height, you couldn’t believe it and would stand on your tipies trying to be taller.
If only you knew that, to us—and to them—you were and always will be someone much bigger.
You were the Vanilla Gorilla named Mighty Joe.
And I think anyone who ever met you would agree. You were big in every sense of the word. You had opinions, and if we didn’t agree? Oh well. You didn’t care. You loved who you loved, and you tolerated who you had to.
I will forever feel blessed to have known you and loved you. We all feel the same.
Danny, my Vanilla Gorilla, you are deeply loved and cherished.
No one is perfect, and that’s part of why we loved you. We loved you imperfectly because, honestly, who gives a damn about normal? You were always yourself, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Be who you are and forget the rest.
I’ll miss you forever, and I’ll never forget you. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make sure all of your girls know exactly how loved you were and how much you meant to so many people and how much they meant to you.
I miss you, Mighty Joe.
I love you, Vanilla Gorilla.
Forever and always,
Chump
* this might feel all over the place but if MJ was reading this, he would get it and laugh and understand.
**that’s what matters.
- I may come back here and spill some memories….. or I may just save them for the girls. Rest easy……. Danny.
Some people leave a mark on your heart without ever needing to be the loudest person in the room. That was Tio Blanco.
He wasn’t the most social person, but if you were lucky enough to be someone he loved, you knew it deeply. His love was steady, genuine, and unwavering. His entire world revolved around my sister and his beautiful daughters, Sophia and Marley. They were his greatest pride and his greatest joy.
One of my fondest memories of him is at every family gathering. While most of the adults stood around talking, you could always find him surrounded by kids. Whether it was playing games, making them laugh, or simply giving them his full attention, children naturally gravitated toward him. He had a gift for connecting with them in a way that was effortless and genuine. My own children lovingly called him “Tio Blanco,” and to them, he wasn’t just an uncle—he was the one who always made time for them, made them laugh, and made every family gathering more fun.
The love he had for Sophia and Marley was something truly special. Those girls were the light of his life, and everything he did reflected how much he cherished them. I hope they always know how deeply their daddy loved them and how proud he was to be their father.
To my sister, Sophia, and Marley, my heart aches for you. Please know that you will never walk this journey alone. I will always be here for you, no matter what you need or when you need it. Your husband and father loved you more than words could ever express, and that love will continue to live on through the countless memories, laughter, and moments he shared with all of us.
We will never forget him, and we will never forget how much the three of you meant to him.
Rest peacefully, Tio Blanco. You were loved more than you probably ever realized, and you will be missed more than words can say.
Danny, I always remember that great smile of yours and those twinkling eyes. You were great with my two grandsons Emilio and Antonio. I remember one day when they were there visiting you took out your collection of Marvel characters and let them play with them. They sure had great time, you were so great with kids.
You will be missed by everyone.
Steve & Marta Price
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband and dedicated firefighter. My prayers are with your family.
Ann Cooper, HUB International
Uncle Danny, the Danny Wong to our Dillon Wong. Thank you for being one of the coolest, realest and bestest friends to my dad. You were more than just a family friend, you were family. You, Meme, Soph and Marley. Thank you for giving us Daisy 15 years ago. The one and only dog who no other dog could ever compare. Hopefully you and Daisy can meet up again and watch over us all. You will always be remembered. I love you.
Carin
I knew Danny from Algiers and our many hours together at World Gym. I have never laughed as much as I did at the gym with him,Adam, and some others. It was a great time.After Huricane Katrina I was fortunate to get my house repaired quickly. Danny and Michelle moved in with me and had the pleasure of having them as a family for a while until I got married. Me and Danny had very similar opinions/ beliefs and got along great most of the time. When we didn't he would show me the inside of his lip! (IYKYK). I competed with him in aforementioned World Gym power lifting competition, he was a tough/super strong dude. Danny was a friend that had my back no matter what. While living together I knew that he and Michelle were something special together. He and Michelle brought joy and laughter into my life at a time when our city was devastated. I will always be thankful for that. My heart goes out to Michelle and the entire Fortune family...
