Yeshiva honors longtime security head with memorial

Yeshiva Darchei Torah held a July 4 memorial dedication for Everett Fortune, who was head of security for over 30 years at the Far Rockaway school.

Fortune died on June 26 after battling cancer for several years.

Fortune was said to be beloved by all the faculty and families of the yeshiva. He always greeted people with a smile and a “thank you Hashem (God).” 

“Everett had something ... the Hebrew word for it is achrayus (responsibility in English),” Darchei Torah’s Rabbi Taakov Bender Shlita said at the memorial.

Yeshiva Darchei Torah gave Fortune a final salute down Beach 17 Street to Seagirt Boulevard, where students, faculty and family gathered to pay respects.

“On behalf of Darchei Torah, the Yeshiva is deeply saddened upon the loss of Mr. Everett Fortune, Mr. Fortune was a dependable and daily presence on the campus of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Simcha Day Camp and the streets of Far Rockaway for close to 35 years,” said Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender of Achiezer. “We will forever remember his dedication, loyalty, and his care that he had for each one of the students as well as the faculty of the Yeshiva. He will be sorely missed, our heartfelt condolences go out to Everett’s remaining relatives who we are sure will sorely miss him.”

His family had a funeral at Bergen Funeral Service in Queens on July 2.

— Melissa Berman