Richard Anthony Forte

Richard (Dick) was born 02/15/1937 to Anthony and Helen Forte in Philadelphia. While serving in the Air Force, he married Phyllis Forte. With the support of his wife, Dick went to school to become an airline pilot and took a job with a cargo company Flying Tigers. He then got a job with Japan Airlines, and moved to Tokyo with their best friends, where both couples had their first child. His dream job became a reality when he joined Pan American Airways back in the States. They settled in Willingboro, NJ and raised their four boys. Dick traveled the world flying with Pan Am for 20 years and ended back living abroad in Berlin as a Captain during the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. He eventually worked for Delta Airlines for the next five years until retirement. They spent the last 35 years in Naples, Florida. This past May, they had been married for 65 years.

Dick was a natural leader that served his community wherever he lived. He was head coach for youth football, and a volunteer at church carnivals overseeing the seafood tent. He was very involved with the Knights of Columbus in Willingboro where he led the chapter as Grand Knight. In Naples he was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and eventually served as Commodore. He was also a member of the Naples Cruise Club with Phyllis where they made many friends and served as President. Dick enjoyed playing golf and being on the water with his boat. He was a very thoughtful person, made friends easily, and told the best stories.

Dick is survived by his sons Richard Jr. (Stephanie), Christopher, David (Christine) and Daniel (Chris), his Grandchildren, Richard III (Melissa), Kathleen (Nathan) and Samantha, his sister Barbara (William) Bartman, niece Elizabeth (Michael) Sutton and William (Katie) Bartman. He was a beloved friend and uncle to Phyllis' family in Michigan. He also has been blessed to welcome his first Great Grandchild, Richard IV this past year.

A service to celebrate the lives of Richard and Phyllis Forte will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church located at 79 One Mile Rd Extension in East Windsor, New Jersey. Repass to follow.