Joseph M. Fortier

Joseph M. Fortier, 80, husband of Claire (Ayotte) Fortier of Greenville, passed peacefully in his sleep on January 2nd, 2018. "Moe," as he was best known, was born on February 15th, 1937 in New London, CT to the late Joseph & Florence (D'Amour) Fortier. In addition to his beloved and devoted wife, Claire, Moe also leaves behind three daughters, Diane Metivier of Greenville, RI, Denise Stapleton and her husband Jim of Warwick, RI, and Janine Philipps of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is survived by his sister, Jeannette (Fortier) Charles and her husband George, of Summerfield, FL. He is preceded in death by his brothers Ernest, Armand, and Roland Fortier. Moe worked 31 years at Bird Machine Co. in Walpole MA, making his way from forklift operator, to machinist, and finally to CNC programmer. He retired in 1998. As a young man, he served in the Unites States Air Force as a photographer during the Korean War. It was during his service when he was introduced to his future bride, Claire, with whom he would share "58 wonderful years." When it came to vacations, there was only one destination he was drawn to, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. He became a big kid during those times when all of life's problems would melt away.His many creative interests included vegetable gardening, making delicious fudge, playing keyboard, listening to his favorite singer, Johnny Cash, model railroads, photography, home-movie making, carpentry, and masonry projects. In addition to being creative, he was also competitive; on a bowling league or playing cribbage, chess and especially when playing cards with close friends. On many weeknights, he was frequently heard announcing yet another "Score-Bobby Orr!". He also enjoyed coin collecting, flight simulator programs, and frequent visits with family in New Bedford, Mass. Moe was a computer enthusiast long before operating systems made home computers practical, as well as a regular fan of Star Trek, making him both an original Techie and Trekkie. Recently, Moe was honored for his military service in the Air Force on Veteran's Day, November 10th, 2017 at Cortland Place in Greenville RI, where he resided from July 2016, until his passing. A visitation will be held on Sunday, 5 - 7 pm in the Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Rd, Warwick. Funeral Monday at 9:15 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Gregory Church, 360 Cowesett Rd. Warwick. Burial with military honors in the RI Veteran's cemetery, Exeter.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph's memory to: Make-A-Wish America, Gift Processing, 4742 North 24th Street Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.