Photo courtesy of Curran-Jones Funeral Home - West Springfield
West Springfield, Massachusetts
Nov 12, 1926 – May 9, 2019 (Age 92)
Joseph A. Fortini
1926 – 2019
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Joseph A. Fortini, 92, a lifelong resident of West Springfield died peacefully Thursday May 9, 2019 surrounded by his family at Baystate Medical Center. He started his career as a carpenter, and later worked for Baystate & Otis Elevator Companies as an installer. Joe served aboard a destroyer for the United States Navy during World War II. He was the number 1 lookout on the bridge of the ship. He was a longtime member of the MAWAGA Club, Verdi Club and the American Legion. Joe was a lifelong outdoorsman in his younger years and loved to be in the woods fishing, hunting, and walking. He will be fondly remembered as a prankster and ready to tell a joke. His wife Vilma (Bottesini) Fortini died in 2012. He leaves his sister Rose Pieciak and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Albert & Norman and his sisters Flora, Yolanda and Gloria. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Friday, May 24th at Noon followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 10:30am – Noon. For more details please visit curranjones.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight New England, P.O. Box 1687, Hooksett, NH 03106
Read MoreMany good memories with Joe (and Vilma). My condolences.
Linda Libera
May 22, 2019
Heartfelt memories of Joe and Vilma, always smiling. My condolences to his and our family
Cheryl Libera
May 21, 2019 | St Petersburg, FL | Family
Uncle Joe - always smiling and full of good humor - thanks for your kindness, hospitality (not only on Sunday mornings! ) and overall great memories...including playing pool in the basement ! We always enjoyed our times with you. Brian & Beth BottesinI and Clarissa, Nick, and Ryan.
Brian & Beth Bottesini
May 21, 2019
What a real heart breaker...I worked with Joe for many years and enjoyed his friendship and company. Joe was a true union brother. When working together In the 1970's Joe volunteered for a lay-off so that I would not be laid off telling me he worried about me with my young family. What a wonderful, sharing, considerate man ...My condolences to Willie and his extended family and friends.
Donald McQuillan
May 21, 2019 | Southampton, MA | Friend
Uncle Joe - You were the best Godfather a kid could have. I will miss you so much. We had a lot of fun times over the years but now you're with Auntie Willie. My sincerest condolences to the Fortini, Bottesini and Libera families. You were Uncle Joe to all of us. I'm so thankful that I got to say good-bye to you. Love you with all my heart.
Diane Dodge
May 20, 2019 | Chicopee, MA | Family
What a good photo of you! So many fond memories of you and Auntie Willie and Sunday brunch after church at your house. Keep telling those funny stories and jokes in Heaven. You will be missed dearly. Lots of love and prayers to all the Fortinis and extended family members and friends who knew Joe.
Elaine Echols (Frighetto)
May 20, 2019 | Smyrna, GA | Family
With great sorrow from our family and to all that new Uncle Joe.;
he will be forever missed in our lives. Sincerely, Harvey, Valerie, Mario and Maritza (Bottesini/ Berger)
Valerie Berger
May 20, 2019 | Orange City, FL | Family
Uncle Joe, you are now with Auntie Willie. May your wonderful sense of humor fill the heavens. Thanks for all you did for Eric & David. So glad you loved the Venison.
Dianne & Al Fontana
May 20, 2019 | West Springfield, MA
So sorry to hear of your passing. We had a lot of good times at the river club playing cards and dice with John Filliponi yelling yenta every time someone rolled and the ice fishing trips to congamond. Not to mention all of the pot luck diners nd pitch tournaments.Rest In Peace my friend, Love Always John & Judy McNally
Joohn McNally
May 20, 2019 | Indian Orchard, MA