Frank C. Fortin

Orange – Frank C. Fortin, 69, of Tully Rd., Orange died Saturday morning, January 6, 2018 at home of congestive heart failure. Frank was born in Fitchburg, MA on May 3, 1948, the son of Raymond W. Fortin and Theresa (Aubin) Fortin. He graduated from Fitchburg High School with the Class of 1966. In 1968 Frank graduated from the Worcester Industrial Technical Institute in Worcester, MA with a Mechanical Technology Certificate. From 1968 – 1972 Frank served in the U.S. Navy as a ship fitter and ship fireman. He served on the USS Little Rock, based in the Mediterranean at the home port of Gaeta, Italy during the Vietnam War. At that time he was able to tour much of Europe with his best friend Harold Malone who served on the same ship as Frank. From 1979 – 1982, Frank attended Central New England College in Worcester, MA, earning an Applied Technology Associates Degree. Through the years he held numerous employments in the area as a fitter/welder, among them: C & W Fabricators, Gardner; Fitchburg Welding and Raynor in Westminster. Most recently he had worked at L. S. Starrett Company in Athol before retiring at 66 years of age. On September 29, 1990, Frank married Rebecca Hayward and they enjoyed 27 years together. One of Frank’s favorite things to do was to go motorcycling with his wife Becky by his side on his beloved 2000 Yamaha trike. It was one of only 500 made in the world. Besides his wife Becky, Frank leaves three brothers: Frederick Fortin of MI, Marc Fortin and his wife Linda of Fitchburg, Glenn Fortin and his wife Wendy of Plantsville, CT; one sister: Francine (Fortin) Salisbury and her husband Doug of St. Cloud, FL; many beloved nieces and nephews. Frank also leaves behind his in-laws who he spent a great deal of time with, loved and enjoyed: Lewis and Frances Hayward, Deannie and Neal Lesperance, Jean and Al (deceased) Tshudy, Deborah and Ray (deceased) Popple, Mike, Kristen and Devin Hayward, Darcy, Ed, Katie and Kyle Robbins and various nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; two brother-in-laws: Al Tsudy and Ray Popple. Calling hours will be held Friday, January 26, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home, with Donald Waugh of Ashburnham, MA officiating. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Athol Lions Club, P.O. Box 293, Athol, MA 01331 To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange is assisting with arrangements.