Victor Thomas Fortwengler - Obituary

ictor Thomas Fortwengler, a 40-plus-year resident of the Annapolis area, died peacefully at age 98 on July 13, 2023. Born on February 23, 1925 in Atlanta, GA, Victor received a great education from Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC. Immediately following high school, he went into the Navy where he served his country from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He went on to work for the US government, and retired from NavAir after a long career in naval aviation planning. Victor was a member of the Fleet Reserve, and a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. He enjoyed wood carving, reading, playing solitaire on the computer, and studying history. He had a love for sailing, and passed that love down to his grandchildren by teaching them how to sail as well. Victor and the love of his life, Catherine, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Victor is preceded in death by his son, Richard Fortwengler. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Catherine Fortwengler; his children, Mary Jo (Ken) Smith of Oregon City, OR, Nancy (Tom) Meringolo of Centreville, MD, and David Fortwengler of Gaffney, SC; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as “Big Vic”. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Victor’s life on Tuesday, July 18 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Viewing will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Reception to follow. Condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.