Everett Fortune, the 35-year security chief at Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, has passed away following a lengthy battle with serious illness. Fortune was deeply beloved by the yeshiva and its students, and although he was not involved in the school’s education per se, his passing still leaves a void that will be sorely missed.
Over the course of his career at Darchei, Everett became a friend, confidant, and ally to everyone at the school he came in contact with, forging bonds with literally thousands of students, teachers and staff members, who say that he made a lifelong positive impact on them.
Sources tell YWN that the Darchei yeshiva had planned to bring out the entire Yeshiva (thousands of people) to pay their respects as the coffin would drive past. But Everette had other plans. He passed away a day after the school year ended, and in his humility, chose otherwise…..
YWN spoke to Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender of Achiezer who was involved in coordinating Everette’s care at the behest of Darchei Torah, and who facilitated the following statement from the Yeshiva provided to YWN:
“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. 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, and our heartfelt condolences go out to Everttes remaining relatives who we are sure will sorely miss him.
In 2020, as Fortune fought his battle against illness with dignity, Darchei Torah made him a surprise honoree at their annual dinner. HaRav Yaakov Bender thanked him for his dedicated and devoted service to Darchei and its talmidim.
Mr. Fortune then spoke for a moment and thanked Rabbi Yaakov Bender; the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Shlomo Avigdor Altusky; as well as Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender, the founder and president of the Achiezer Community Resource Center for their ongoing help and support.
Mr. Fortune also recounted that when visited by Darchei bachurim during his hospital stay, he was presented with a bracelet emblazoned with the phrase ‘Thank You, Hashem.’
He displayed it for all to see and declared, “I don’t leave home without it!”
He will be missed by all…
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
6 Responses
Fondly remembered.
What a loss! I have so many memories of Everett from my days in the yeshiva. He’d come to wake us up for Shacharis in the dorm, yelling “SHUL TIME! SHUL TIME!”
Someone once mentioned to him that my birthday was the next day, so that morning, when he came to wake me up, he had a birthday card and a cake fresh from one of the local bakeries!
He always had a smile for everyone, and he truly loved all the boys in the yeshiva. One of the Rabbeim once commented, “It says that when Mashiach comes, everyone will come to help the Jews serve Hashem. Everett is preparing for that day!”
He will be sorely missed.
Rabbi Y. Bender is a walking kiddish Hashem
Baruch Dayan HaEmes
A loyal, true friend of the Jewish people.
Everett was truly an amazing person. He loved every boy in darchei as if they were his own children. Whenever I saw him, I could tell, this wasn’t just a job for him, but a mission. He will be missed.
Everett had a smile and cared for everyone. It was Darchei’s great Fortune to have him run security for so many years. He will be sorely missed.