Joseph “Sonny” Fortune of Oak Harbor passed away on April 7, 2016, at the age of 78, at the Veterans’ Hospital, Seattle.

Sonny was born in Alexandria, Va., and enlisted in the US Army at the age of 16. He was released from active duty in 1952 for being underage, despite his distinguished service in Korea. He then entered the Navy in October 1955 at Washington, D.C., following basic training at NTC Bainbridge, Md.

Sonny served at NAS Patuxent River aboard the USS Randolph, USS Bon Homme Richard and the USS Shangri-La before his discharge in September 1959. After a brief exposure to civilian life, he returned to the military, this time to the Army and 173rd Airborne Division. His encounter with the Army was as brief as the first and he left the service again in 1963.

After an equally short return to civilian status, he returned to the Navy in 1965. Tours of duty during his second naval career included the USS Bennington, NAS Bermuda, NAS Sangley Pt., NAS Whidbey Island, VAQ-131, and finally, COMMATVAQWINGPAC.

While on active duty, Sonny served as a reserve officer for the Oak Harbor Police Department. He also attended Skagit Valley College, receiving his associate’s degree.

Sonny received four good conduct awards, two Presidential Unit Citations, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a United Nations Medallion and a Purple Heart.

Retiring from the Navy, Sonny worked for NAS Supply Department. When supply was transferred to contract services, Sonny moved to Colorado Springs, then Utah and Hill Air Force Base.

Returning to Oak Harbor, he worked as a security guard at the Skagit Mall, the Anacortes Marina and for Whatcom County.

Sonny is survived by his children, Pamela Sada, Penny Bially, Robert Perry and Sonya Holland and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sonny is preceded in death by his wife Tina, children Joseph and Pat and parents Joseph Sr. and Marie.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Wallin Funeral Home 1811 NE 16th Avenue Oak Harbor, with LCDR. M. Brad Yorton, CHC, USN (retired) officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow.

Please visit Sonny’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences of Sonny.