Joseph F. Fertsch, 80, of Ocean City, NJ passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2019 with his family by his side.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Joe was a graduate of North Catholic High School and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Joe worked as a pipe fitter for Local Union 420 in Philadelphia for many years before retiring to Ocean City full time in 1995. Prior to that he and his wife, Dolores Fertsch owned a second home in Ocean City that they enjoyed spending weekends and holidays in while raising their family.
Joe loved island living and was very active. He was often seen riding his bike on the Ocean City boardwalk or swimming at the Aquatic Center. He also volunteered for many organizations and special events. Joe was an active member of St. Frances Cabrini Roman Catholic Church, the American Legion Morvay-Miley Post, The Historical Museum and a member and past president of the Democratic Club, all in Ocean City. He often joked that he preferred to never leave the island.
Joseph was predeceased by his beloved wife Dolores (Nardone) Fertsch, parents Joseph B. and Anne C. Fertsch, and sister Frances. Joe is survived by his sons Joseph T. (Ellen Firth) Fertsch of St. Augustine, FL and Robert (Cindy Christy) Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, his grandchildren James, Holly, Sarah, Dominic, and Sophia Fertsch, and his brother Michael Fertsch of California. Joe also leaves behind his Nardone family, many nieces and nephews and his dear friends.
“At 6’4 and well over 200lbs.”, my Dad was a big man,” said his son, Bob Fertsch, publisher of Shore Local Newsmagazine. “As a child, I only saw how big he was physically. But as an adult, I came to appreciate the enormous size of his heart, and his love and commitment to both his family and community. There is no doubt my dad left big shoes to fill.”
