Phillip Forte, Jr.

Phillip Forte, Jr., of Emerson, NJ, formerly of Hackensack, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 6th, 2019. Married to and survived by his soul mate and true love Doris (Dollie) (nee Azzalina) since 2001; his children Christine Uriarte of Jackson, NJ and Phillip John Forte and his wife Amy of Wood-Ridge, NJ; his step-children Debra Pastuszak and her husband Billy and Darlyn Savage and her husband Kenny; his grandchildren Jaiden, Jordan, Phillip and Jenna Marie; his step-grandchildren Kevin, Scott, Lindsay, Ryan and Kyle as well as his dear brother and friend Bert Leal and his wife Victoria (Vicky) of Emerson, NJ.

Phillip was born in Hackensack, NJ in 1935 to the late Phillip and Mary Forte. He was raised and lived in Hackensack, NJ for 30 years, graduating from Hackensack High School and moving to Emerson, NJ in 1966. Phillip proudly served 2 years in the U.S. Army in the 10th Division; 2 weeks of that under temporary duty with the 11th Airborne Division; in which he performed 2 jumps as well as 3 weeks on a lend program with the Foreign Legion. Upon his departure from the Military, Phillip worked 38 years with the Hackensack Post Office (the last 6 of those years as a manager).

As of 2014, he was inducted as a 60-year lifetime gold member of the National Association Of Letter Carriers. Phillip was very active in Emerson, NJ; acting as the manager of the town’s little league baseball organization for 6 years, the baseball commissioner for 2 years, he organized and ran Emerson’s first 3 town picnics as well as being the recreation chairman for a year. He organized and ran with Lou Duva, the Pascack Valley’s 1st AAU Fight tournament that raised funds for the Emerson little league in 1978. Phillip was also a member of the Bergenfield local D.A.V. and a die-hard Jets fan.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ, on Friday, March 8th from 5-8 PM. A Mass celebrating Phillip’s life and faith will be held at R.C. Church Of The Assumption on Saturday, March 9th at 9:30AM with interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deborah Heart and Lung Foundation.