Melvin Dennis Fortney III

Melvin Dennis Fortney III of Kinston, NC., formerly of Blandburg, died on August 9, 2022 at the age of 56.  He was born on October 17, 1965 in Tyrone, Pennsylvania.  He was the middle child of Melvin Dennis Fortney II and Mary Lou (Stiver) Fortney (both deceased).  He was married to his beloved wife Joan (Picking) Fortney for 31 years.

Dennis is preceded in death by his sister Denise (Fortney) Phillips and his parents.  He is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Emily (Matthew Cowley) Fortney, his brother John (Kelly) Fortney, and sisters Margaret (Jim) Alley and Tammy (Ron) Merritts as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved fur babies.

Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania (1987).  He went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Emergency Health Services from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Maryland (2004).  Dennis was a lifelong paramedic, firefighter, and EMS educator serving numerous career and volunteer organizations in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Maryland, and North Carolina.   

Dennis loved the beach and was an avid scuba diver and scuba instructor.  He enjoyed many hours under the water searching for megalodon teeth, shells, fish, and treasure. 

A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 2-4 pm at the McQuown Funeral Home Glasgow, PA.  A celebration of Dennis’s life was held Sunday Aug. 14, 2022 from 2-4 pm in the Waller Building of Lenoir Community College in Kinston, NC.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to your local Fire/EMS agency or local Animal Shelter/SPCA.

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