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 24 ^th 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