Joseph Fortin

Joseph R. Fortin, 55, of Burkburnett, Texas formerly of Worcester passed away peacefully with his children gathered at his bedside Thursday, June 25th 2015 after a twelve year battle with Lymphoma and subsequent complications. Joseph was born in Worcester on July 6th 1959, the eldest son of Ronald B. And Norma (Bouley) Fortin. Joseph graduated from Holy Name High School in '77 and earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Wentworth Institute inBoston. Joseph then accepted a position as a Quality Engineer with Pratt-Whitney Corporation and worked for them at their headquarters in Connecticut, and then at Bendix Corporation in South Bend, Indiana, before changing companies to Howmet Corporation. At Howmet, he held the position of Senior Engineer in South Bend, Indiana, Cleveland, Ohio and finally Wichita Falls, Texas plants before retiring due to illness. Joseph is survived by his two children, Daniel Fortin in Dallas, Texas and Angela Fortin of WichitaFalls, TX; his mother, Norma (Bouley) Fortin of Worcester; a brother, Thomas P. Fortin of Lake Elsinore, California; a sister, Elizabeth F. Willson of Portage, Michigan, his former wife, Diane (Schinske) Fortin and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Besides his father Ronald, a brother, James E. Fortin, and a sister, Patricia M. Fortin both pre-deceased him. Joseph was a bright and intelligent engineer with a great sense of humor and was well-liked by nearly everyone he met. He had a special ability to make friends and make people comfortable. He loved his jobs, and his family, and he was fiercely patriotic. His children, mother and siblings were his life. Joe was the consummate big brother who always looked out for the welfare of his younger siblings even well into adulthood. In addition to his professional career, Joseph served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for many years and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was an aircraft enthusiast who could explain the make, model and specifics of any plane he saw, and he never tired of hearing and seeing the jets from Shepherd Air Force Base flying over his home in TX. He was also a Ham Radio operator and collected Titanic artifacts. A memorial Mass for Joseph will be held on Monday, July 6th which would have been his 56th birthday at 10:00 am in Holy Family/ St Joseph Church, 35 Hamilton St. His uncle, the Rev. Richard A. Fortin will be the principal celebrant. Burial with his father and siblings will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to Holy Family Parish, 5 Whitman Rd Worcester 01609. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.