Joseph L. Fortescue

Joseph L. Fortescue, Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, September 25, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Joe was born in Philadelphia on September 21, 1924 to Joseph and Mildred Fortescue. After graduation from Audubon High School in 1942, he enlisted in the Army and served in the European Theater in WWII. On June 15, 1946, he married the love of his life, Erna Ruth (Nill). In 1947 he graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After living in Pennsauken, N.J. for a few years, he moved to Hamburg, Pa. in 1962. Joe was employed by Allen Sherman Hoff and retired in 1985. Joe was very active in his community. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Joe served as president of both the Exchange Club and the Hamburg Senior Citizens. He was also a member of the Hamburg Planning Commission. Joe loved listening to music, especially Barber Shop, and dancing with his wife, Erna, with their dance club friends. An avid reader of many genres, Joe never stopped learning. He was a supporter of PBS and enjoyed PBS programming, especially Lawrence Welk. He also was a football fan, and Penn State and the Eagles were his teams. You could also find a Phillies game on during baseball season. Joe had a dream to see as much of the world as he could. He and Erna visited many countries during their 71-year marriage with Germany being their favorite. Closer to home, the Hamburg Senior Citizens provided years of participation in bus trips, dinner theater outings and wonderful friendships. Failing health brought Joe and Erna to live at Keystone Villa at Fleetwood in October 2016. Joe loved his new home and always sang to the staff. On Sundays he raised his voice to heaven joining the Hymn Sing Group. Joe was a man that cared about others. He was kind, generous, and funny as he traveled through life. His family and friends will greatly miss his sense of humor, his joy of music, and his love. His loving wife, Erna R., son, Joseph L. Fortescue III husband of Linda L. grandchildren, Melissa Lin Falvey wife of Michael T. and Justin Karl Fortescue, husband of Jessica, and great grandchildren Mia Rose, Chase Turner and Ethan Karl, survives him. One brother, Robert Sr. husband of Harriet, also survives Joe. A brother, Charles "Hum" Fortescue and a sister, Ruth Kamulda, predeceased him.