Gail R Forsythe

Gail was born November 25, 1928 in Crown Point, IN, the son of Mary, nee Owens and Gail Rodney Forsythe, Sr.

At the young age of 15, Gail got a job at A&P Grocers, where he would later meet his wife, Anne Marie Hrbaty. They married September 4, 1946 and were blessed with nine children, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He worked in the grocery business throughout his career, beginning with A&P. He then worked his way up to District Manager at National Tea Company, and finally fulfilled his dream and purchased a Sterk’s Superfoods franchise in Lansing, IL, where he enjoyed 10 years of success before retiring at the age of 59. Gail’s work ethic and honesty were admired by all who knew him, including his children. Shortly after retirement, Gail and Anne moved to Sarasota, FL where they lived a happy, active life for 23 years. Gail kept himself very busy – he was director of the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club for many years, enjoyed competing on the bocce ball court, and absolutely LOVED riding his bike around the neighborhood every day. Anne and Gail hosted many winter visits with his children and grandchildren.

During his life, he loved socializing and laughing with family and friends, always at the center of the fun, whether playing cards, games, or enjoying a meal together. He loved to fish and took numerous trips to the Canadian wilderness with friends, sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons. Gail was endeared by many. His smile and kindness extended beyond family – to his children's friends, neighbors, customers, employees – and even strangers on the street were greeted with "hello". He taught his children many life lessons, and being kind to others was at the forefront.

He and Anne traveled extensively to destinations including Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Ireland, Scotland, England, Iceland, Greece, and the Caribbean. For his 70th and 75th birthdays, he treated his entire family to a week-long Caribbean cruise. His generosity was unmatched, as was his commitment to his family.

Gail is survived by his wife of 73 years, Anne Marie Forsythe; his children: Anne Forsythe (Glenn Klinksiek) of Chicago, Mary (Robert) Smith of Frankfort, IL, Kathleen Forsythe (David Gampfer) of Vineyard Haven, MA, Sharon (Gene) Semmelhack of Elmhurst,IL, Carol Forsythe of Elmhurst, IL, Brian Forsythe of Phoenix, AZ, and Colleen (Gavin) Stanley of Elmhurst, IL; grandchildren: John Partipilo, Matthew (JoAnne) Smith, Emily Smith (Bob) Rozsypal, Austin Gampfer, Evan Semmelhack, Morgan Semmelhack, Ben Semmelhack, Gillian Forsythe, Hillary Forsythe (Will) Gradillas, Zak Forsythe, Ella Stanley, and Will Stanley; great-grandchildren: Evening Rose, JoAnne, Konner, Sadie, Fiona, Henry, Charlie, Julian, Trinity, Savannah, Chloe, Elise, and Carmen; great-great grandchildren: Zayden, Kalvin, and Fiona; brother, James Forsythe of Crown Point, IN; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by beloved sons, John and Terry; first-born granddaughter, Kristin Partipilo; brothers, Robert and William; and sisters, Jeannette Vessely, Shirley Blanchard, Norma Dennies, and Betty Julian.

A celebration of Gail’s life will be private.

If you would like to make a donation in his name, please do so to the Glaucoma Research Foundation at https://getinvolved.glaucoma.org/donate or to a charity of your choice.