John A. Forbes

John Forbes passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2013 after battling Alzheimer's for the past few years. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia, his five children, Diane, Debbie, Judy, Doug and John, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. His family, friends and those lucky enough to have known him will miss him greatly, but know that this selfless man is now with God, in whose service he lived his life. John leaves behind a legacy of service, charity and love. Along with serving God in various capacities in both the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole and the Grace Episcopal Church in Norwood over the years, he also proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a member of the DAV Chapter 90 in Norwood. He also served his community in many ways. Habitat for Humanity was an organization close to his heart and John helped to fix or build many homes with them over the years. He was a member of the Mason's Azure Lodge in Walpole for over 50 years and would volunteer to be a blood donor and organize blood drives. John also volunteered his time for Meals on Wheels and the Walpole Food Pantry.

John was a strong, caring man who would always be there when you needed him, often bringing with him something from his garden. His children and grandchildren always knew that help was just a phone call away wherever they were.

Beloved husband of Virginia Lee (Morris) Forbes. Loving father of Diane L. and Walter Pelrine of Wrentham, Debbie and Bob Cutler of RI, Judy and Mitch Bixby of Lunenburg, Doug and Joanne Forbes of Millville, and John D. and Andrea Forbes of Cotuit. Cherished grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of 2. Brother of Ruth and her husband Tom Grono of Hanover, the late Gertude Schrader, the late David Forbes and the late Ralph Otis Forbes.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John's Life Celebration on Monday, December 30, 2013 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole to share the memories of this man who touched so many lives. A funeral service will be held in the Grace Episcopal Church 150 Chapel Street, Norwood on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. His family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to either the Walpole Food Pantry, P.O. Box 43, Walpole, MA 02081 or Habitat for Humanity, 807 Broad St. Box 37, Providence, RI 02907.