Anthony “Tony” Fortuna 1938-2026
(Editor's Note; While Tony Fortuna is a name many heat treaters in North America are not familiar with, at one time he was very well known for his founding of "Harbor Metal Treating", now part of "Bluewater Thermal").
"Anthony Fortuna, known to all as Tony, a self-made businessman, proud son of the Pennsylvania coal country, and the beloved patriarch of a sprawling five-generation family, passed away peacefully in Mesick, Michigan, on June 5, 2026, at the age of 87.
Tony was born on July 7, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a humble Pennsylvania coal mining town, Tony's character was forged by the grit and resilience of his community. He was fiercely proud of his roots as the son of a coal miner. He also inherited a fighter's spirit from his father, Joseph, a well-known local boxer nicknamed "Bouncer."
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gertrude Fortuna; his brothers, Joseph and Luke; his sister, Betty; and his son-in-law, Dan Lang. Being the last surviving sibling of his generation, Tony carried the memory and strength of his family forward throughout his entire life.
The Fortuna family eventually relocated to Lansing, Michigan, and later to Saint Joseph, Michigan, planting the seeds for the family's deep Michigan roots.
As a young man, Tony answered the call to duty and served his country in the United States Navy, where he was stationed aboard the heavy cruiser USS Salem. His time in the Navy instilled in him a lifelong discipline and a treasure trove of stories that he would share for decades to come.
Upon returning to civilian life, Tony channeled his work ethic into the American Dream. In 1972, he stepped out on faith and ambition to purchase and build what would become a highly successful network of four heat-treating enterprises, beginning with Harbor Metal Treating. Through sheer determination and sharp business acumen, he became a highly respected and successful businessman, providing opportunities not just for his family, but for his communities."