Charles “Chick” Forney (89) of Farmington, NY
Chick’s soul was peacefully lifted into the arms of the angels in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 8 with his loving wife Kathleen by his side.
Chick, fondly known as “MacGyver” to his children because of his ability to fix anything, was born to Ralph and Pearl (Miller) Forney on January 12, 1934, in Syracuse, NY. Following his graduation from East Syracuse High School, Chick enlisted in the Navy. He went to submarine school in San Diego, CA and New London, CT, then was based at the US Naval Station, Key West, FL. Eventually he was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on the USS Trumpetfish-SS 425 submarine during the Korean War as an Engineman 2 SS. After being honorably discharged in 1956, Chick worked as a trim carpenter with his father in East Syracuse while attending night classes at IBM Computer School. Chick became a Systems Analyst for Chase Bank (then Lincoln Bank), which brought him from Syracuse to Fairport, NY in 1979. He remained with Chase until he retired. Post-retirement Chick filled his time with a few part time jobs including flower delivery, parts delivery for Hoselton Auto, and the “Pop Store” in Fairport. He also spent some of his free time traveling and loved to support his grandchildren by attending performances and sporting events. Golf was a passion of Chick’s, which he was fortunate enough to be able to play, right up until this past summer.
Chick is survived by Kathleen (Deuel) Forney, his wife of 11 years who cared for him with love and unwavering grace during his long illness. Chick is also survived by his 3 sons, Steven (Julie) Forney of Pittsford, NY, Michael (Linda) Forney of Henrietta, NY and Jeffrey (Luisa) Forney of Boca Raton, FL, his 2 step-sons Daniel Hershey (Meara Jones) of Sudbury, MA and David Hershey (Denise) of Webster, NY, grandchildren Christopher Forney (Lydia Parks), Kevin Forney (Stephanie), Ryan Forney, Jack Forney, Stephanie Forney, Jeannie Forney, Jolyn Forney, Meghan Forney, Colden Forney, Jackson Forney, Aidan Hershey, Eva Hershey, Elianna Hershey, Asher Hershey and Patrick Hershey, great grandchildren Landon, Elliot, Josephine and Nora Forney, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Penny and John Langenstein, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Chick is predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Pearl, his sister Jean Lingyak, his first wife Jean (Andrews) Forney, to whom he was married for 51 years, and his granddaughter Hope Elizabeth Forney.
Chick was steadfast and courageous. His confident jesting nature was treasured by all who knew and loved him. He was a huge personality who loved golf, fishing and boating, Drum Corps, the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees and Syracuse University Football and Basketball. Chick was an active member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport since 1983 and formed many lasting friendships with his fellow members. Most of all, Chick was a family man through and through. His departure from this world leaves a void in our hearts and homes and he will always be truly missed and remembered by the many lives he touched.
Friends may call on Thursday, November 2nd from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at The Richard Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY.
Chick’s Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 3rd at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 48 Perrin Street, Fairport, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Chick’s name to the U of R Medicine Hospice, Ontario Yates Counties, 756 Pre-Emption Road, Ontario, Geneva, NY, 14456.
Comments
8 responses to “Forney, Charles “Chick””
Dear Steve, Julie & the Forney family,
We are saddened to hear of “Chick’s” passing. He & Jean were our
Butternut neighbors for many years & were the best neighbors!
Chick always had a big smile on his face and was always so pleasant
& took time to talk with you.
We are sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. Thinking of you
During this difficult time.
You are now with the Lord and although we will miss you everyday, we know you are good and we will cherish the beautiful memories. We will always love you.
To Kathleen, Mike, Jeff, Steven and your families, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish I could say that I didn’t know how it feels. Chick will be missed, but you have a lifetime of memories to carry with you. Seding hugs
I will miss the laughter, all the stories about Uncle Chick and Mom at camp, I know Grammie, Mom and Aunt Jean are giving him an earful now, then he can get on the golf course with Grampie and Dad. We’ll miss him every day.
Dear Kathleen, family and friends of Chick,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Chick´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow “Bubblehead” departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS Trumpetfish SS-425.
To our “Brother-of-the-Phin” we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Thank you for your service to our country.
Kathleen and family… “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI.
Kathy and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Chick was such a kind, friendly, joyful soul. He will certainly be missed! May you be comforted by God’s peace and bolstered by your memories.
To the entire Forney family, I am very sorry to hear about Chick’s passing. Unfortunately, I will be out of town for the services.
MacGyver is so appropriate for him, not only for his ability to fix anything, but also for his problem solving.
He was a wonderful employee at the bank and also a great person.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Charles’ passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.