Frederick M. Fortune

Fred was a 1967 graduate of Sherman Central School where he had excelled in basketball and had been offered multiple D1 Scholarships. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea in the Demilitarized Zone. After being honorably discharged, he then worked for 37 years with the Chautauqua County Highway Department in Sherman as a Motor Equipment Operator.

He had been a member of the Stanley Hose Fire Department and enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills, and hobby farming. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family and never missed any of his kids or grandchildren’s sporting or life events.

The light of his life was his wife, his kids, his grandkids, and his great-grandkids. Fred is survived by his loving wife, Connie Persons Fortune, whom he married May 5, 1984; four children, Chris (Becky) Cady of Sherman, NY, Mike (Renee) Fortune of Kennedy, NY, Kelli (Al) Briggs of Sherman, NY, and Mark Fortune of Sherman, NY, 10 grandchildren, Jim (Wanyun) Cady, Allen (Nicole) Briggs, Jordan (Corinne) Briggs, Jenna (Jared) Hepp, Jessica (Brock) Cady, Tyler Fortune, Tayler (Dawson) Fortune, Samantha (Josh) Meier, Tom Fortune, and Matt (Lilly) Propheter; seven great-grandchildren, Aidan, Tegan, Emma, Rhett, Dawson, Makenna, and Bodee; along with many extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Cady and a granddaughter, Kayla Cady.

At Fred’s request, there will be no public services held. A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family and will be announced.

Memorial donations can be made to the Stanley Hose Fire and Rescue Squad at PO Box 574, Sherman, NY 14781.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.