Philip Phil Reece Forrester

Philip Reece Forrester of Timonium, MD died on May 6, 2010 of lung cancer. His parents were Mary Reece Forrester and Ralph E. Forrester, Jr.

Mr. Forrester was born and spent his formative years in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the John A. H. Keith School in 1957 and Indiana Joint High School in 1959. He graduated from Gettysburg College earning a degree in Economics and was an ROTC distinguished military graduate. He was also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

After graduation, he was employed by Scott Paper Company in Chester, PA. After only one month, Mr. Forrester entered the United States Army as a Second Lt. in military intelligence. He served in Washington, D.C. in a top secret satellite reconnaissance command. Mr. Forrester was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a member of the Military Assistance Command - J2 Army Intelligence. His activities in Vietnam covered a wide array of intelligence activities. Mr. Forrester retired from active duty in August 1965 and completed his reserve career as a Captain.

Upon his discharge from the US Army, Mr. Forrester returned to Scott Paper Company where he held various positions and retired after 15 years of service. During that time, several promotions led the Forrester family, now with two children, to Timonium, Maryland.

Mr. Forrester’s entry into the restaurant business began in 1979 when he purchased a Mr. Donut franchise which he owned and operated for 10 years.

Deciding to move on from donuts, Mr. Forrester purchased The Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, where he introduced authentic Mexican food to Baltimore. Here he became known as “Mr. Phil”, a moniker that would remain with him for life. The Hacienda Mexican Restaurant was a perennial award winner and family favorite. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends, as he distributed fake moustaches and straw sombreros capturing it all on his Polaroid camera.

After 10 years of Mexican food, it was time to move on to a new challenge. He and his business partner purchased a restaurant in Timonium and reopened it as Rothwells Grille. After 6 years, he sold Rothwells and worked as the managing partner in its successor restaurant.

As a result of another sale, Mr. Forrester found himself working in the same location, now known as Christopher Daniel. He reveled in the opportunity to work with new owners Chris and Dan, assisting the young chefs with this award winning restaurant.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years Judith Ann Forrester, his son James Reece Forrester and wife Stacie and his daughter Susan Lee Forrester. He has two granddaughters Abigail Reece Forrester, 4 years, and Ella Ann Forrester, 2 years. He is also survived by his brother Ralph E. Forrester, III and his wife Rebecca Forrester of McIntyre, PA and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be celebrated at the Havenwood Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Ridgely Road, Lutherville, MD on Wednesday, May 12 at 2 PM. A graveside service will be held in the Oakland Cemetery on Saturday, May 22 at 11AM. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed in Phil’s name to Indiana Free Library 845 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701. In Phil’s memory, He suggests “Take an old friend to dinner.” A guest book is available at www.lemmonfuneralhome.com.