Born on March 5, 1937 in Buffalo, NY to Joseph and Rose Fortner. He grew up in Wellsville, NY and subsequently spent most of his life in Fairport, NY. Joe died suddenly at home on October 23rd, 2026. He was predeceased by his siblings, Robert, Jeannie Zenger (George), Thomas (Joy), and Therese “TC” Gary (Satch). His wife’s siblings, Don Rake (Susan), Thomas Rake (Sandy), and Timothy Rake.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo. His children, Michael (Cindy), Karen Vorndran (Tim), and Julia Carson (Ken). Grandchildren, Kurt Vorndran (Matt Sager), Samantha Vorndran (fiancé Jimmy Angelo), Claire Carson (Savannah Skinner), Chloe Carson-Conley (Chipper Carson-Conley), Kendall Carson, Luke Fortner, and Jack Fortner. Many nieces and nephews.

Joe was the third of five children born to Joseph and Rose Fortner. His father died while he was in his teens. He graduated high school and subsequently earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton. Upon graduation, he worked at AirPreheater in Wellsville and then at Gleason Works in Rochester. In 1976, he started at Delco Products in Rochester where he would remain until his retirement.

When he moved to Rochester, he met Mary Jo in Rochester. They married and quickly began a family and moved to a house “in the middle of nowhere” east of what is now Fairport High School. The neighbors on the Valley Brook Drive circle formed connections which subsequently supported him and his family for the remainder of his life and even today.

Joe was a lifelong learner and a long time “do it your selfer”. There wasn’t anything that he could not fix or make better. Everything that he created was done with perfection. There was not a tool or a gadget that he did not have. Three of the houses that he lived in had spaces that he created from virtually nothing into living areas that were functional and appealing. He ventured into wine making and spent countless hours perfecting the craft. His Cabernet-Franc was selected one year as “Best Red” among more than 200 entries in the NYS Fair.

Sometime in the 1960’s, Joe was introduced to sailing. His first sailboat was a wooden Thistle, given to him by his in-laws on Canandaigua Lake. He eventually taught himself how to sail, and gradually transitioned to racing. Many people were introduced to sailing by Joe Fortner. His children, neighbors, extended family members, and many friends all shared the adventure of sailing with him. He was a long time member of the Canandaigua Yacht Club. He served on the board of governors and was a former commodore. He eventually transitioned to a larger boat and combined racing and cruising. Throughout his life he owned at least 6 different sailboats. All of them were cared for and admired by all who saw them.

Joe and Mary Jo had some great adventures in the Caribbean Sea exploring the islands with friends. They enjoyed their winters in Florida for more than 20 years. One winter they toured the United States, visiting parks, historical sites and friends along their way.

Joe was an avid biker. He traveled many of the local trails and rode to Wellsville and Canandaigua on more than one occasion. He transitioned to a road tricycle and continued to ride well into his late 80’s.

Joe was passionate regarding his faith and dedication to the church. He had his reserved seat in the front row and the first seat of the congregation at the Church of the Resurrection where he will be missed by his fellow parishioners.

No prior calling. Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 28th, at the Church of the Resurrection, 63 Mason Road, Fairport, NY 14450. Lunch to follow after the service at the church. Private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Perinton Ambulance, 1400 Turk Hill Road, Fairport, NY 14450.