Obituary of Raymond E. Fortier

Fortier, Raymond E. Age 91, passed away at home on Sunday, March 1, 2015, surrounded by his children. Raymond was born on November 23, 1923, in Pelham, NH, to the late John J. Fortier and Marion Bedard Fortier. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia Lemiere Fortier in 2006; and siblings, Irene (Maurice) Levesque, Norman J. “Bud” (Jayne) Fortier, Walter “Wally” Fortier, Estelle Fortier and Lillian Gregor. Raymond is survived by his daughters and sons, Susan and Fred Freedman of Elmira, NY, Kip and Jamie Fortier of Elmira, NY, Gigi and Tony Fusco of Horseheads, NY, Joseph and Norma Fortier of Horseheads, NY, Christopher and Cathy Fortier of Addison, NY, and Michele and William Allington of Hector, NY; grandchildren, Geoff (Margherita Straub) Freedman, Peter (Louise) Freedman, Patricia (Dan Condon) Freedman, Raymond III “Buddy” (Tanya Joy) Fortier, Jenny (Jon) DeBellis, Erin Fortier, Jason Fusco, Nicholas Fusco, Nicole (Dave) Brophy, Alex (Lindsey Shoo) Fortier, Molly (Zac) Hudgins, Colin (Jen Hale) Fortier, Abbey Fortier, Emma Allington and Elise Allington; and 20 great grandchildren; sisters, Lucille (Jack) Atkinson of Hudson, NH, and Theresa ”Terri” (Jack) Butler, of NM; sisters-in-law, Jayne Fortier and Dibby Fortier both of NH; several nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members. Raymond obtained his bachelor’s degree from the Boston College of Social Work. He retired as the Commissioner of Social Services from Chemung County. Ray was also a veteran of the US Army Air Corps, Purple Heart recipient and navigator aboard the B-17’s. A community minded individual, Ray received numerous community service and civic awards throughout his career. He served on several boards and committees over the years including Family Services of Chemung County, the Horseheads Village Board of Appeals and Zoning Board, and the Horseheads Housing Fairport Terrace. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, Inc., 413 S. Main St., Horseheads on Saturday, March 7, 2015, from 12:00 noon-3:00pm where a celebration of his life and a time of sharing will immediately follow there at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Ray with memorials to ALS Mass Chapter, 320 Norwood Park South, Norwood, MA 02062; Casa, PO Box 778, Corning, NY 14830; Arctic League, PO Box 113, Elmira, NY 14902. Condolences and remembrances at www.barberfuneralhome.com.