Age won’t keep this Veteran from his love of art
By Stephen Woolverton, Public Affairs Specialist
Feliciano “Felix” Fortuna, who will turn 102 years old in June, was recognized for his service with a Centenarian Coin from the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, May 7.
Deputy Medical Center Director Michael Welsh presented the coin to Felix during the 2026 Creative Arts Festival, where his artwork was being displayed alongside the art of his Veteran brothers and sisters.
“Awarding Mr. Fortuna this honor from the VA Secretary was special for me,” said Welsh, “He served his country for more than 20 years, but he continues to give back to all of us through his artwork and his positive and electric personality. To be almost 102 years old, and to be so spry, healthy and able to produce such amazing art is something special. He deserved this Centenarian Coin and certificate to honor him.”
Felix is well known at the Phoenix VA because he participates in many activities here, and he loves to be around other Veterans. His daughter, Rosalinda Corvi, is always alongside him, and always with a smile, as she enjoys seeing her father laughing and talking with other Veterans and hospital staff.
Felix is an artist, storyteller, and a proud U.S. Navy Veteran, where he served for 21 years as a Lithographer. When Felix gets to telling a story, everyone around hears it. He has an excitement that is contagious and an energy that people half his age wish they had.
His years as a Navy Lithographer were just as exciting, and they make for great stories. Just as good as his stories are his artwork. From portraits of U.S. Presidents to Navy warships, and even a few paintings of his family (including his daughter when she was a small girl), everyone who sees his art knows that Felix is a man with a gift.
“Everyone wants to see this one,” Felix said opening his book and flipping past one amazing painting after another until he reaches his portrait of President John F. Kennedy.
His portraits of President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy, and President Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline are the most requested from his collection that he brings with him in a book his daughter compiled for him. Even so, each year Felix continues to paint a new, original piece for the Creative Arts Festival. This year he entered a painting of an aircraft carrier. Last year, at 100 years old, he entered a painting of the USS Sellers (DDG-11), which won first place.
After the coining ceremony, one after another Veteran came by to congratulate him, and almost every one of them asked him to please slow down. “You’re making us look bad,” they agreed.
“I’ll be painting when I’m 200,” Felix replied.