Obituary of Ira Fortgang

Ira Fortgang, 50, of Howell, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025.  He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and spent 15 years in Staten Island before settling in Howell, NJ in 2004. Ira was the proud owner of F.S. Adjusters in Red Bank, where he built a respected reputation through hard work and commitment.

A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Ira was the kind of person you could call at any hour- always ready to lend a hand or offer a listening ear.  His presence was a constant source of strength and comfort.  He lived life with deep love for those around him and an unshakeable commitment to being there when it mattered most.

Ira was a dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys, cheering with unwavering loyalty through all their wins and losses, and loved rocking out to the music of Black Sabbath. In recent months, he took up golf—not necessarily with great skill but certainly with enthusiasm.

Ira was predeceased by his father, Leonard Fortgang; stepfather, Barry Pollack; nephew, Alex Raso; and sister-in-law, Amy Fortgang.

Above all else, Ira cherished his family. He is deeply mourned by his beloved wife, Cristina, and their children, Caitlyn, Emma, and Michael. His love for them was evident in every gesture—large or small—whether it was preparing nightly dinners or the food for the holidays, to being a constant source of support at any hour.

He is also remembered with affection by his mother Debbie Pollack, step-mother Joan Fortgang father-in-law Michael Rocha & wife Amaly and mother-in-law Yolanda Rocha; siblings Jefferey Fortgang, Marci Derbyshire and her husband Joe; Lizette Martinos and her husband Joseph; and Michelle Goldblatt and her husband Lee. His nieces and nephews—Andrew, Hannah, Danielle and her husband Vinny; Benjamin and his wife Lizzy; JoJo and his wife Megan; and Jacob—will carry forward the warmth of his humor and presence.

Ira’s legacy is one of enduring love—for family above all—and a life lived with heartfelt sincerity. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM with Words of Remembrance to follow at 6:00 PM.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com