Edward F. Forte, of Woburn, passed away on September 13, 2010, at Woodbriar Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Wilmington after a two-year struggle with lung cancer. He was 81 years of age.
Edward was the beloved husband of the late Gilda R. (Sirignano) Forte for 57 years. He is the dear father of Paul E. Forte and his wife, Martha, of Boxford, and Debra Ann (Forte) Parker of Wilmington. Born in New Bedford and raised in Boston and Somerville, Edward was the son of the late Manuel and Lena (Gouveia-Roia) Forte. Edward graduated from Somerville High School with the class of 1947. Following high school he graduated from the Burdett School of Business in 1949. Shortly following his graduation, Edward proudly and honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Eddie will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather and as a loyal friend and neighbor. A resident of Woburn for 53 years, he cherished spending time with his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren. He was dedicated to his job as a road salesman which he performed ably for 55 straight years for the George P. Melhado (formerly L.J. Risman) Company. Customers often noted his dapper appearance and gleaming cars.
Eddie loved to laugh and was known for his great smile whether he was calling on customers, sharing special moments with family, or spending time with his favorite activity, drum corps. A member of the Lt. Norman Prince Drum and Bugle Corps during its great championship years in the late 40s and 50's, Eddie played the baritone horn and remained active in drum corps throughout his life. He enjoyed singing in the Princemen Alumni Chorus, attending many drum corps events, and in recent years supporting The Boston Crusaders.
In addition to his children, Eddie leaves his brother Ferdinand Forte and his wife Ellen of Chestnut Hill and a sister, Diane McKenney of Billerica. He was the loving grandfather of Stephanie and Ryan Parker of Wilmington and Jamie Forte of Boxford. Eddie is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dolly DeMontier of Holbrook as well as several loving nieces and nephews. He also leaves many wonderful friends in the drum corp world.
Funeral services for Eddie will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Saturday, September 18th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Brigid Church, 1979 Mass. Ave, Lexington, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be Friday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Westview Cemetery, Lexington. For directions or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.dellorusso.net