Rev. Mister Charles Robert Fortney, Sr.

March 26, 1931 - December 16, 2008

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Services:
 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with the Most Rev. Martin D. Holly Auxiliary Bishop of Washington as the celebrant and Fr. Keith Woods Pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, MD as the con-celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.

Visitation:
 

Viewing/Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM.
 

Rev. Mr. Charles “Deacon Robert” Fortney, Sr., 77, of Morganza, MD formerly of Grafton, WV died December 16, 2008 in Washington, DC. Born March 26, 1931 in Grafton, WV he was the son of the late Marion A. Fortney and Myrtle L. Phillips Mann. He was the loving husband of Elinore M. Fortney whom he married on February 10, 1950 in MD. He is survived by his children: Charles R. Fortney, Jr. of Lake City, FL, Daniel R. Fortney, Sr. of Centreville, VA, David R. Fortney of Warrenton, VA and Terri Beinert of Waldorf, MD; sister; Nancy Duperre of Waldorf, MD; 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Betty Jenkins and Georgia White. Deacon Robert moved to St. Mary’s County in 1970 from Clinton, MD. He graduated from Greenbelt High School “Class of 1948”. He worked as a medical purchasing agent for Physicians Memorial Hospital for 10 years until his retirement in 1993. He also served in the U.S. Army for 20 years from 1948 – 1971 where his duty stations include Germany, Panama, Colorado and Texas as well as serving in the Korean War and Vietnam War. He enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing. He was a Deacon and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD and a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 19, 2008 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with the Most Rev. Martin D. Holly Auxiliary Bishop of Washington as the celebrant and Fr. Keith Woods Pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD as the con-celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD. Pallbearers will be: Charles Fortney, Jr., Daniel Fortney, Sr., David Fortney, Daniel Fortney, Jr., Rob Beinert and Adam Trader. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Thomas Haley and Bill LaChance, Jr. Contributions may be made to: St. Vincent DePaul Society, National Council of the United States Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, 58 Progress Parkway, St. Louis, Missouri 63043-3706 and/or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 175, Morganza, MD 20660.

Guestbook Signatures and Condolences

"Dear Cousin Ellie and Family, I was very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Hold on to your memories, cherish them, and know that with Bob's crossing over, he is with our Lord. Please know that all of us here in Haverhill, MA, are praying for you all. Love, Cousin Tess"
- Theresa (Tess) Parker
- Posted: Wednesday, December 24, 2008

"Ellie, My Family wanted to say how sorry we are for the Loss of Uncle Bobbie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & all the family... I know it has been a long time since we have seen you but we send you & the family our deepest Sympathy. God Bless "
- Michelle (Virginia's daughter), Shawn, Reba, Shawn Jr Pearson
- Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2008

"Dear Ellie, I also remember Bobby playing Santa that year. It is one the the fondest memories I own. I also remember the smiles on your faces all the time and the positive energies that flowed from you both. I will always cherish those memories. I wish you the same warmth and love that you have always given to others. It seems a little strange that my own family didn't know Bobby, but they know of him because I have told them stories about you both and even shared things we found on the internet about you. People like "Uncle Bobby" are never forgotten, even when time has separated us. He was truly a great man and surely will be missed by all. "
- Tina (Johnson) Letteer
- Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2008

"I would like to send my condolences to Deacon Robert's family. He became a Deacon with my father Niale "Jerry" Geary. He was always so good to check up on my mother after my father died and visited her frequently when she was in the hospital before she passed. He was a very good man and he will be missed by many. God Bless and my prayers will be with you. "
- Debi Geary
- Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2008

"I am truly sorry for the loss of such a fine man. We all drew strength from his faith in God, and his dedication to his wife and children.Also his impecable service to his country. He will be dearly missed."
- Bill, Jami, Chelsea, Billy, Jacque Wood
- Posted: Monday, December 22, 2008

"My deepest condolences are with you and the entire family. I had met Robert Fortney around 1993 and noticed his love and inspiration to become a deacon and serve God. During his minestry as Deacon he continued to inspire me by helping others and serving God. He will be truly missed here on earth but the angels are rejoicing, because Robert has joined them in serving God Our Father."
- Stanley Konopka & Family
- Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2008

"Ellie, I am very sorry for your loss. Bobby and my Mom (RoseMarie) are watching over us now. I remember Bobby when I was 10 and he played Santa Clause. It is a great way to remember him by. I love you. You are in my prayers."
- Janie Watts
- Posted: Friday, December 19, 2008

"Please except our deepest condolences to the Fortney Family. We attend at St. Joseph Church & will miss him."
- Roy,Marie & Geoffrey Buckler
- Posted: Friday, December 19, 2008

"Uncle Bobbie was a wonderful man, I only wish my girls could have got to know him. I know God is with you and he will carry you through your sorrow. Bobbie will be forever in our hearts. In times of loss, God comes to us with his comfort, love,and peace. Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. I believe in this verse because without God I would not have survived the loss of Joseph. We Love You! You will be in our prayers."
- Bonnie, Joe, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Hannah Rhodes
- Posted: Friday, December 19, 2008

"Terri, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I know how much you loved him. May your cherished memories carry you through this time and always. "
- Allison Fellner Pauole
- Posted: Friday, December 19, 2008

"Dear Aunt Ellie and Family, God bless you all. Uncle Bobby will be dearly missed. He was a pillar of strenth as you are. We love you."
- Ted and Beverly Harrison
- Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008

"Dan and Donna - My condolences to you both and the rest of the Fortney clan. I'm glad that you were able to be with him sharing stories during those last few hours. His presence here leaves much to honor and celebrate and may those memories be a source of great comfort now. Deborah"
- Deborah Ross
- Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008

"Dave, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I hope that you are surrounded by friends and family that can comfort you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family."
- Mary Perry
- Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008

"Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family, from me and my family. God bless you, with love - Judi."
- Judi Flores
- Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008

"Dear Dan and Donna, Bob and I were so sorry to hear about your Dad. There's never a good time, but during the Holiday's presents extra challenge. We wish you both the best and send our love. Will try to make the Mass on Saturday. Take care, Love and Kisses, Bob and Ellen"
- Ellen Friesen
- Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008

"Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are loved. We pray the love of God surrounds you you during this sorrowful time and that He helps you heal with the passage of time by celebrating the life you shared."
- Gina, Albert, Charlotte, Ben, Dustin, and Aleasha Whittington
- Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008

"I love you Grandpa! I miss you!"
- Christain Hines
- Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2008

"Our condolences to Ellie and the entire Fortney family. Over all the years we knew Bob, he was a most gentle man and yet firm in his convictions. His devotion to God and his calling to the deaconate were the most sincere testimony a Christian could witness. God's blessing be with you. "
- Sidney and Shirley Wood
- Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2008