Andrew Camille Fortier, Jr.

Andrew Camille Fortier, Jr. age 82 of Lakewood, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He received devoted care from the staff in the Critical Care Unit at Ocean University Medical Center during his time there in October and for that his family is eternally grateful.

Andrew was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts and was raised in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He was one of 8 children to Mary Ester and Andrew Camille Fortier, Sr. Andrew attended East Bridgewater High School and earned A’s and B’s in both shop and culinary classes. Andrew worked at a local restaurant with his brother Gene in East Bridgewater and during summers off from school, he worked at restaurants in Cape Cod. Following his graduation from high school in 1958, Andrew enlisted in the Army. He spent time at Fort Dix in New Jersey and was then sent off to Baumholder, Germany. It was there that Andrew began honing his craft as an electrician-working on military vehicles and equipment. Additionally, Andrew was the communication specialist for his unit-in charge of the radio backpack notifying headquarters of their needs and whereabouts. He is a lifetime member of the VFW in Vernon, NJ.

After his time in the service, Andy made a living as a chef and electrician, working at and owning restaurants from Long Beach Island, NJ to Vermont over the years. Those who were lucky enough to be a guest at Andy’s table will always remember signature dishes like chicken marsala, homemade sauce with spaghetti and meatballs, lobster, and omelets made to order on the weekends. Andy worked as an electrician for many years, both for employers as well as countless side jobs-getting into his van or bucket truck and heading to the job- a jack of all trades and could fix just about anything. He always had the tools for the job and he became known as “Handy Andy”.

In the mid 1980’s, Andrew was living in Florham Park, NJ and would frequent a local family-style pub restaurant in the neighboring town of Madison. That’s where he met Christine Hillman and the rest as they say is history. Andrew helped Christine raise 3 children-he referred to them as

“the crew”- and also helped take care of the 19th century farmhouse where they spent many years as a family after they first met. Over the last 20 years, 4 grandsons were added to the family tree and Andy cherished his time spent with each of them. His grandsons knew him affectionately as “Grandy”. Christine and Andy remained partners and friends over the years and finally settled in Leisure Village in Lakewood in February of 2020. Andy loved it there-he was sure to tell all who visited that it was the Village of 7 lakes and even wore his member id badge for a while after first they moved in.

Andrew was a truly special person who touched the lives of so many and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Andrew is survived by his loving partner and best friend of over 35 years, Christine Hillman; his cherished step-children: Jaime Gabriele and her husband Eric, Noah Smith and his partner Karen Corter, and Megan Smith; his dear brother Charles Fortier and his wife Anne of Massachusetts; a loving sister Kathie and her husband Frank Pollock also of Massachusetts; 4 grandsons-Tyler, Casey, and Kristian Smith, Dylan Gabriele, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his eldest brother Gene, and sisters Joanne, Karen, Cheryl, and Mary.

Friends may visit with the family from 12-2 on October 22, 2022 at the D’Elia Funeral Home, Route 70 and Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ. A memorial service and luncheon at the Funeral Home will follow immediately after the visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Andrew’s name may be made to any veteran charity of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DEliaFuneralHome.com for the Fortier, family.