Born in New Bedford, Donald was a lifelong area resident. He attended Vocational High School and earned his GED while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He then attended Bristol Community College receiving an Associate Degree in Computer Programming and Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass Dartmouth) receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. In 1950, Donald joined the U.S. Navy and served his country proudly aboard the aircraft carriers USS Midway, USS Tarawa, and the USS Kula Gulf. In 1958, he joined the Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant where he proudly served 2 tours in Viet Nam. Sgt. Forand received many decorations and medals during his tenure in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by Pave Paws at the Cape Cod Air Force Station as a Radar Site Systems analyst.
Donald loved his family dearly, was a proud United States Veteran, and served his country faithfully. He had a great sense of humor and always had a good joke to share. He was an avid sports fan, especially the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox.
He is survived by a sister, Constance West and her husband James Wright; four nieces: Robin Winters and her husband James, Renee McKay and her husband James, Deborah Bergevin, Jennifer Blanchard and her husband Todd; nephew Christopher Ritchey; and brothers-in law Joseph Silvia and Monty Ritchey. He was the brother of the late Vivian Silvia and Jacqueline Ritchey; Great Uncle of Madalyn McKay, Jackson McKay, Meghan Bergevin, Eric Bergevin, Jameson Winters and Great, Great Uncle of Landon Bergevin.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 10:30AM from the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 4256 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA 02745. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation prior from 9:30 to 10:30AM. Burial at 1:15PM in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. To leave a note of condolence:www.rock-funeralhome.com
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