Rev. Dwight C. Fortune

July 29, 1927 - October 21, 2018

The Reverend Dwight C. Fortune passed away on October 21, 2018. He was born July 29, 1927 in Fitchburg, MA, one of nine children born to Gladys (La Pointe) and John Fortune. Dwight always knew he wanted to be an Episcopal clergyman and was always active in his local parish. After graduating from high school, he worked various jobs. In 1951 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Korea. Upon leaving the service in 1953, he married Anna Doake, to whom he was wed for more than 60 years; the couple had five children. Dwight graduated from American International College and Berkeley Divinity School. While studying for the ministry, he was lay minister for the Church of St. Simon the Cyrenian in Springfield, MA. Upon his ordination in 1962, he was appointed Curate at St. Peter's Church in Beverly, MA. He went on to serve as Rector of St. John's Church in Sharon, MA, was Assistant and then Interim Rector at All Saints' Church in Attleboro, MA and finally Rector of St. John's Church, Taunton, MA. During his tenure in Attleboro and Taunton, he also worked at L.G. Balfour in Attleboro. After retiring from his Taunton parish and Balfour in 1989, Dwight continued to serve as interim clergy or Rector for many parishes throughout the Dioceses of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Dwight and Anna loved spending time at the family’s lakeside summer house in Maine. They loved to walk and work outdoors. Dwight was especially fond of loons and loved to teach others about them. He enjoyed music, reading and sharing his knowledge and experience of history. He also had a lifelong interest in the weather; checking his barometer daily and faithfully reading The Old Farmer's Almanac. He loved to recall stories of weather events he'd experienced, especially the 1938 New England Hurricane, and the Blizzard of '78. Dwight's wife, Anna, pre-deceased him and he is survived by his five children: Anne Fortune, Margaret O’Connell, Judith Tavares, Dwight Fortune, Jr. and James Fortune, and also by nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Notice: A memorial celebration will be held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Attleboro, MA on Saturday, November 17, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Attleboro, MA or to The Raymond Village Library, Raymond, ME, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.