Thomas E. Fortune

Thomas E. Fortune, 71, of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021.

Tom was born on July 6, 1950, to William W. Fortune and Margaret A. Fortune in New Haven, Connecticut. He graduated from Amity Regional High School in 1968 where is he was a stellar power forward and co-captain for the basketball team.  His incredible athletic ability earned him a full ride basketball scholarship to the University of New Haven where he went on to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and an Associate’s Degree in Engineering.

After graduation, he landed his first job with New Haven Bank where he worked for 4 years before starting his lifetime career with the railroad.  Tom embarked on a new career path with Amtrak in 1976 where he climbed the management ladder for the next 36 years. After holding numerous management positions and gaining an abundance of knowledge and respect throughout the industry, Tom ended his career with Amtrak in 2012 holding the title of Superintendent of Operations. Upon his departure from Amtrak in 2012, Tom’s work ethic, need to stay busy and abundance of industry knowledge led him to come out of retirement and partner with Parsons Brinkerhoff as a consultant. He fulfilled his contract as the Superintendent of Operations for the commuter railroad CFRC (formerly known as SunRail) for an additional 7 years.  In addition to becoming a railroader, Tom also was a member of the United States Air Force where he proudly served for 25 years (5 years of active duty and 20 years of Reserves)

Aside from his career, Tom’s greatest accomplishment in his life took place in 1976 when he met and fell in love with the woman, he would spend the rest of his life with Jacqueline. The couple wed in October of 1977, going on to have 4 beautiful children, Jessica, Karlye, Thomas, and Taylor.

Tom was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of his wife, 4 children, and 6 grandchildren Chloe, Brayden, Alexis, Kinsley, Ryder, and Piper Jayde and he always went above and beyond to support them in every way possible.  Tom had a special bond and connection with each of his children as well as grandchildren. 

After retirement, Tom enjoyed spending his time on the golf course and officiating high school softball and basketball when he wasn’t at home with his with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Tom was also a member of SABO, Southern Association of Basketball Officials. 

Anyone who knew Tom knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. Tom was predeceased by William W. Fortune (father), Margaret A. Fortune (mother), Margaret Lee (sister), and William Fortune Jr. (brother).  He is survived by his wife of 43 blissful years Jacqueline B. Fortune and their 4 children Jessica (42), Karlye (39), Thomas (36), and Taylor (30), his 6 grandchildren Chloe, Brayden, Alexis, Kinsley, Ryder, Piper, his older sister Barbara (John) Esposito and his twin sister Agnes Andruk,  as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom will be remembered as a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Thursday, September 16, 2021 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Friday, September 17, 2021 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Pastor Russ Hale officiating.