Robert G. "Bobby" Fortes, 69, of New Bedford died Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Tobey Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Patricia J. (Estrella) Fortes.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Antonio and Mary (Livramento) Fortes, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Robert enjoyed a long and distinguished career at UMass Dartmouth. Over the course of more than three decades he served as Asst. Director of Upward Bound, Director of Multicultural Student Services, and Asst. Dean of Continuing Education, the position from which he retired. As Asst. Dean, he managed the Neighborhood College in downtown New Bedford, providing myriad educational services to the community. In his capacities with Upward Bound and Multicultural Student Services he is remembered for having assisted hundreds of students in preparing for or completing a college education. He was also a co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Unity House on campus. Robert was the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his valuable educational work in the New Bedford community.
He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he received his Bachelor's Degree and Northeastern University, where he received his Master's Degree.
Robert enjoyed golfing, listening to music, playing the drums, traveling and deep sea diving in the Caribbean.
He is survived by his daughter, Staci L. Fortes; his son, Robert W. Fortes; his sister, Rose Fortes; two brothers, James Fortes and Francisco Fortes; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Albert Fortes.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.