Donald R Fortin, age 77, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Donnie was born in Fitchburg, MA on November 22, 1946, to Robert and Rita (Griffin) Fortin. He had a younger brother, Edward, and he lived his entire life in Greenville, NH.
Donnie graduated from Appleton Academy in New Ipswich in 1965 and entered the US Navy in August 1966. He served for 4 years, of which 3 years, 5 months was served as overseas as a mechanic on the USS Cleveland during the Vietnam War. He was awarded numerous medals and commendations. Upon returning from service, Donnie worked at Ball Bearings in Peterborough, and then began his career with the United States Postal Service. He worked at both the Greenville and New Ipswich Post Offices before retiring in 2001.
Throughout his life, Donnie enjoyed many hobbies. He planted a massive garden each year at his brother Eddie's house. He loved to take his nieces ice skating in the winter and blueberry picking in the summer. He spent hundreds of hours researching, analyzing and organizing the genealogy of the Fortin Family. He collected stamps, coins, tools and engines of all kinds, enjoyed puzzles and playing cards. He knew anything and everything about Greenville - its history and the people who lived there - and everyone knew him. He was "Uncle Donnie" to all.
Donnie is survived by his nieces, Amie Fortin and her husband Rick Green, of Escalante, UT and Katie Desmarais and her husband Chad, of Temple, NH. He has Great-Niece, Grace Desmarais. He also leaves behind his great friend Mark Tapply.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, February 19, 2024. From 4 to 6 pm, At the Michaud Funeral Home on 32 Maple Street, Wilton, NH 03086 A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Wilfred Deschamps on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:00AM at Sacred Heart Church, 15 High Street, Greenville, NH. Burial will be in the spring in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Ipswich, NH.
The arrangements are in the care of the Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St., Wilton, NH. To view an online obituary or leave a condolence, please visit our web site at www.michaudfuneralhome.com.
