Ronald "Bill" Fortney

Ronald  R. Fortney, 87, of Hopewell Twp., passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017.

Ron was born on May 15, 1930 in Reedsville, WV, a son of the late Luther Cramer and Merle Chloe (Burke) Fortney. Ron attended elementary school at a one room school house built on property donated by his father. Ron was proud to be responsible for keeping the school house warm for the students by gathering wood for the fire place and starting the fire before morning classes began. Later Ron attended Masontown High school then earned the rank of Staff Sargent  in the Air Force.

Upon discharge from the Air Force Ron settled in Aliquippa where he became a service man for People’s Natural Gas Company and where he was introduced to his wife, Catherine (Brayack) Fortney, by Mary and Joe Bedekovich. During the years with People’s Gas Ron, as he did in the old school house, kept houses warm during cold winter days for the Aliquippa and Hopewell communities and beyond. He was a long time member of the Aliquippa VFW Post 3577 had been a member of the Aliquippa Croatian Club and the American Serbian Club. In retirement he spent time playing cards with his wife Katy and taking her to flea markets. Ron enjoyed gardening, boxing, shooting pool, watching the Steeler’s, the Pirates, and the Penguins. When he was not watching sports, Ron enjoyed reading and spending time with his pets Max the parrot, Alex the turtle, and his fish. He loved to read books, and later in life enjoyed his Kindle and computer. Ron loved to walk and spent many hours walking at the wetlands birdwatching.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine  (Brayack) Fortney; two brothers, Chuck and Glen Fortney; and three sisters, Frances Dixon; Pauline Barr; and Mabel Joseph.

Ronald will be sadly missed by two sons, John Fortney and his wife Cheryl, Ambridge; and Steve Fortney and his wife Terri, Center Township and their daughters, Sam and Dee; and a daughter, Carol Fortney, Monaca, a special niece, Susan Ringer and her husband Gary, and many other nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice, the nurses on the Progressive Care Floor of Sewickley Hospital, especially Beth Jones-Wyvel, Concordia Home Health, especially Amy Garovac, the Pittsburgh VA, especially Speech Pathologist, Annette Askerin, and speech therapist, Carol Safko at Beaver Valley Nursing. You were all much more to Ron than just professional caregivers. The family also thanks Mary Ann Bell, Jenna Leo, Julie Lech, Kirsten Charlton, Glyden Lowther, and Emily Kremmel, the dedicated group of care givers (a.k.a. buddies) who spent time over the last year at Ron’s his bedside, walking with him, and doing the Indian Dance at the top of the hill. You brought him happiness and hope during his final months.  Carol would like to express her gratitude to the Chemistry Department at the University of Pittsburgh for their kindness, support, and prayers.

Friends will be received on Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm in Darroch Cremation and Funeral Tributes, Inc. 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa www.darrochfuneralhome.com where a Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday at 11am.

Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

The Beaver County Special Unit will meet at the cemetery on Wednesday at 11:30am to conduct full military honors.

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