At 102 years old, Feliciano “Felix” Fortuna still paints every single day.
Sitting in his apartment at MBK Senior Living’s McDowell Village, brush in hand, the Navy veteran continues creating artwork inspired by a lifetime of service, resilience, and curiosity about the world around him.
For Felix, painting is more than a hobby. It’s part of who he is.
“I feel so proud of my work,” Felix shared. “It took me 101 years to get medal. Only veteran to get medal.”
A resident of McDowell Village since February 2023, Felix is proudly featured on the community’s Veterans Wall and Centurion Wall, honoring both his military service and his remarkable longevity. Though hard of hearing, his mind remains incredibly sharp, and his warmth, humor, and pride in his life’s journey shine through every conversation.
Born in the Philippines, Felix’s life has taken him across the world. Through his 21 years serving in the United States Navy as a lithographer, he lived and worked in places including Okinawa, Italy, France, Morocco, Washington D.C., and aboard the USS Midway, USS Boxer, and USS Coral Sea.
Felix served during three wars and remembers vividly the years he spent traveling the world through military service.
Those experiences helped shape the course of his life in unexpected ways. After immigrating to the United States, Felix pursued education and art, eventually attending the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, where he studied lithography and continued developing the artistic talent he had recognized in himself from a young age.
“When I was in high school in the Philippines, all my drawings were always out on the board at school,” Felix recalled. “That’s why I went to the school of art in Washington D.C.”
After his military service, Felix built another long and successful career, spending 38 years working as a realtor. Still, art remained a constant throughout every chapter of his life.
Over the years, Felix has painted presidents, Navy officers, ships, and deeply personal scenes from his own life, including the vessel that brought him to America. His artwork reflects not only technical skill, but memory, identity, and gratitude.
“How does painting make you feel?” he was asked.
“Proud that everyone likes my work,” Felix answered. “I’ve painted many lady officers, presidents and their wives.”
Even at 102, Felix remains curious, optimistic, and eager to continue creating. He still spends time painting, attending church services, watching the news and sports, and connecting with others in the art studio.
When asked what keeps him going, his answer was simple and direct:
“Keep smiling, never get mad. When you get mad it’s no good.”
That perspective has become part of his daily philosophy, along with another piece of advice he often shares:
“Practice, practice.”
At McDowell Village, Felix has found a community that celebrates both his story and his creativity. He speaks proudly about the friendships he has built with residents and team members alike.
“I have made a lot of friends,” he said. “The people that work here too.”
For the team at McDowell Village, Felix is the embodiment of Ageless Exploration. His life is a reminder that purpose does not fade with age and that creativity, learning, and connection can continue well into every stage of life.
From surviving war to traveling the world, from serving his country to painting every day at 102 years old, Felix continues to approach life with gratitude, discipline, and heart.
When asked what moment in his life he is most proud of, Felix didn’t hesitate.
“That I served my country,” he said. “The USA.”
And when asked what message he would share with younger generations, his answer reflected the kindness and humility that have carried him through more than a century of life:
“To love everyone,” Felix said. “Our life feels good to be loved by everyone.”
