Obituary of Richard W. Fort Sr.

Vernon Center-Richard W. Fort Sr., age 88, formerly of Norton Road passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon March 18, 2021 in the Presbyterian Home of Central New York where he most recently resided. He was born on October 7, 1932 in Rome, New York a son of the late Walter A. and Anna Marie (Novak) Fort and was a graduate of Vernon High School. From 1950-1953 Richard served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War. He was joined in marriage to Marilynn L. Geary on February 13, 1954 and together made a life in Vernon Center with their six children. Richard drove truck for the government in his earlier career, worked for Oneida Limited and then worked as a welder for Pettibone Corporation and Hubble Corporation. Richard spent many years spreading the word of God, serving as a Chaplin for over twenty years at Midstate Correctional Facility; he ministered patients at the VA Hospital for over fourteen years and ministered at the Christian Bible Church of Oneida. He was a member of the William Russell American Legion Post 404 of Vernon. Surviving are his five children and their spouses, David (Janice) Fort of Munnsville, Richard Fort Jr. (Kathy) Lusby, MD, Brian Fort of Verona, NY, Kenneth Fort of Vernon Center, NY, Mark (Cheri) Fort of Manlius, fifteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, son-in-law Carey Nye of Sherrill and several nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his wife Marilynn L. Fort, daughter Anna Nye, siblings, Bud Watson, Melvin Fort and Walter Fort and Wilma Fort. Family and friends are welcome to call on Monday March 22, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 23 Front Street, Vernon, NY where face covering and social distancing will be practiced. Family and friends are welcomed to attend a graveside service on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in Skinner Cemetery, Vernon Center, NY. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com