Albert Joseph Fortier, of Milton, passed away on December 13, 2021. He was 77 years of age.

Al was born on May 21, 1943 to the late Albert Franklin and Katherine (Thornton) Fortier and raised in the Saint Mark’s Parish of Dorchester. He was a loving and thoughtful husband to Karen (Naugler) Fortier, devoted father to Mireille (Fortier) McLaughlin and her husband Stephen McLaughlin and Luke Fortier and his wife Katy Mitchell and doting Gramps to Annabelle Susan McLaughlin.

Al graduated from Boston Latin School in 1961 and spent the next several years collecting life experiences, including hitchhiking across the United States in the style of Jack Kerouac. In 1968 he met the love of his life, Karen. Soon after he enrolled at UMass Boston graduating with a degree in History, then continued his studies at the University of Oregon, later earning a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University. He was an educator, teaching for over 20 years at Edna Stein Academy, Weston High School, and at the South Boston Neighborhood House.

Al loved music, particularly jazz, once playing with President Bill Clinton. He could always be found with a book, a New Yorker, or the Boston Globe. He loved hiking the White Mountains and the Blue Hills, usually with his dogs. He was a fan of all sports, especially boxing and had a curiosity about the world, first as an armchair traveler and later in life traveling with his family.

He was loved by all who met him and will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers donations on his behalf to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research , P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 would be appreciated.

Visiting hours for friends and family will be at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Wednesday, December 15 from 5-8 PM. Interment in New Hampshire will be for family only.