He was born on May 20, 1942, in Washington, D.C. to the late Sperow Gerisimos and Ella Ruby (Harris) Fortes.
Steve started his career in the automotive industry in Arlington when he was 17 years old at Bob Peck Chevrolet, then moving to Larry Peacock Buick where he was a State Inspector, Mechanic, Assistant Service Manager and Service Manager. For a brief time after working with Buick he sold Snap on Tool Trucks. After leaving the automotive industry, Steve owned and operated KMA Junction in Manassas (a train and hobby shop) until his retirement in 2015.
Predeceased by his parents; one brother, Dennis C. Fortes and one sister, Arlene R. Gass.
Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Frances M. Fortes; two brothers-in-law: William J. Croley and Henry C “Budd” Croley; one niece, Danielle D. Croley; one great nephew, CJ Tremblas and Maggie his beloved cat.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, 1621 Emancipation Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. A graveside service will take place on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Steve's memory may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 US, https://www.cancer.org/donate; and American Heart Association , P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692 US, https://pages.heart.org.
