Dennis Edward Fortune Sr.
January 8, 1945 ~ January 7, 2026
Born in:
Washington, DC
Resided in:
Culpeper, VA
Dennis Edward Fortune, Sr., 80, of Culpeper, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, following a year-long battle with congestive heart failure.
He was born on January 8, 1945, in Washington, D.C., to the late John and Anna Fortune.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sonja Fortune; his parents; and several cherished pets.
Dennis retired as a superintendent after a 26-year career with Hess Mechanical Corporation. He also found great purpose in serving as an AA sponsor, offering patience, encouragement, and unwavering support to many in recovery.
Dennis enjoyed training his dogs, watching Westerns, rodeos, and boxing, attending chicken auctions, catching reruns of Bones, keeping up with Fox News, and sharing his trademark corny jokes.
Above all, Dennis was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his son, Dennis Edward Fortune, Jr. (Betsy), his daughter, Noe’l Fortune (Kenny Hinkle), and his faithful furry companion, Fortune Cookie. He was a loving Pappy to Shelbe Miller, Skylar Cordero, Mia Fortune, and Nate Fortune, and a proud great-grandpappy to Alana Corprew, Lovelyn Adams, and Layla Anderson. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Donna Richey, niece, Anna Joy Newton, and nephew, Vincent Richey.
Dennis will be remembered for his steady presence, quiet strength, tough love, good advice, sense of humor, and deep love for animals. His legacy of hard work, kindness, service, and devotion to those he loved will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The American Legion, 14222 Rixeyville Rd
Culpeper, VA.
Family and friends are invited to attend and honor Dennis’s life and memory.
Services
Celebration of Life: February 7, 2026 11:00 am
American Legion Post 330
14222 Rixeyville Road
Culpeper, VA 22701
(540) 825-9835
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Rest well, “darlin”❤️
Dennis my Dennis! I miss you so much buddy! Once I walk in work you was sitting there ready to crack jokes we cut up all the time you kept us laughing! Love you Dennis! Rest In Peace ❤️
I remember the times we’d spend together, laughing and talking. You always had a way of making me feel like everything was going to be okay. Your love and support meant the world to me, and I’ll always treasure those memories.
You were such a big part of our lives, and it’s hard to imagine not having you here. But I know you’re still with us in spirit, guiding us and protecting us. I’ll keep you in my heart, Pappy, and I’ll make sure the girls know how much you loved them.
Thank you for being such an amazing Pappy. I’ll carry your love with me always, and I’ll make sure to pass it down to my girls. Rest in peace, Pappy. I love you more than words can say 💕.
Dennis you are so missed in our community. Your smiles and laughter would light up a room. Will forever miss you.
Loved you my dear friend. You were such an inspiration to all. I’ll always remember your words and love ❤️
My late husband and I were friends of Dennis’s from back in esrly1960’s for Dave and about 1969 for me. My husband passed away 20 years ago and I moved to NC lost touch over the years but I reconnected with Dennis around 2016 through texts and social media. For a few years he cheered us up each and every morning with happy good morning posts. We all looked forward to it. A bright spot you could count on each day. I and many others will miss that. RIP old friend. 🙋🏻♀️🙏