John “Skip” Forney of Tewksbury, MA, passed away on December 10, 2023, at age 73,
following a gradual decline in health.
Skip was born to parents Robert and Dorothy Forney in David City, NE, the third eldest of seven sons, and loved his brothers deeply. Skip spent his early years in David City before moving to Melrose, MA at age 17 where he met his beloved wife of 52 years, Nancy Palladino.
Skip was always fascinated with aviation. After completing training at East Coast Aero Technical school, he worked as an aircraft mechanic for Federal Express for 34 years, repairing numerous models of twinjet aircraft. An early career highlight was helping to restore Jacques Cousteau’s plane called the Calypso while he lived in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
In his spare time, Skip found joy working as the chief mechanic for the Atlantic Warbirds group who participated in the New England Escadrille Airshows. He was also passionate about restoring a 1929 Ford Roadster and many other antique cars and steam engines. Skip was quick to smile, intellectually curious, and an avid reader with his nose always buried in non-fiction books.
Though passionate about aviation and antique cars, nothing compared to his love and devotion to family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. There was nothing that thrilled Skip more than sharing in their many accomplishments.
He is survived by his loving wife Nancy (Palladino) Forney; his son Jason Forney; his daughter Noelle Denny-Brown; his son-in-law Doug Denny-Brown; his brothers Bryon and Tim Forney of David City, NE. He was especially enamored with his three grandchildren: Dillon, Sylvie, and Violet Denny-Brown.
All are invited to celebrate Skip's life at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury,
MA on Saturday, December 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
American Heart Association. A graveside service in David City, NE will take place at a later date.