Officials

Justin Fortuna

Year Inducted: 2002

Category: Officials

Schools / Organizations:
IHSA

Biography:

Justin Fortuna left his mark on basketball officiating in Illinois before he passed away in April 2000 at age 72.

Fortuna, who graduated from Harrison High School in Chicago and played basketball at DePaul for Ray Meyer, began officiating in 1967. The Mount Prospect resident quickly built a great reputation and was called on to referee the IHSA Class AA boys state tournaments in 1981, 1982 and 1984. He was also tapped by the Chicago Public League to work championship games in 1978 and 1979.

Fortuna was a long-time member of the Athletic Officials Association. He was president for three years and in 1998 was awarded the group’s highest basketball honor – the Abe Glick Memorial Award. He is well-remembered for helping other officials move up the ladder to bigger and better opportunities.

Fortuna was inducted into the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for officials in 1996 and is a member of the Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame.