It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Gerald “Jerry” Forward at age 93 on October 22nd; peacefully after a brief illness.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his beloved wife, Lois, his son-in-law, Jeff Bulman, and his granddaughter, Amanda Antinoro.
Born to Worthy and Winifred Forward on October 20th, 1932, Jerry had 8 siblings; Worthy (Bud), Mary, Daniel, Roseanne (Nancy), Bill, David, John, and Wortha. He grew up in the city of Rochester and was a graduate of Aquinas Institute.
He later moved to Fairport, where he and the love of his life, Lois, raised their 6 children together; Roseanne (John) Vane, Jerry Jr. (Donna), Joanne (Leslie) Benoodt, Elizabeth Antinoro, Patty Bulman, and Jacqueline (John) Magioncalda.
He had 12 grandchildren; Justin, Kathryn, Leslie, Kristin, Elena, Blaine, Marissa, Frank, Carly, Emma, Jenna, and Andrew, and 11 great-grandchildren; Ada, Julia, Worthy, Ferris, Matilda, Annabelle, Hadley, Rowan, Rory, Reed, and Graham.
He, along with his wife Lois, founded GTF Packaging Corporation in Macedon, NY. They ran the successful family business until their retirement in 2001. He enjoyed traveling to Punta Gorda and Eustis, Florida for the winters for many years.
Throughout his life, Jerry had a special passion for duck hunting, fishing, golf, singing barbershop, boating, cars, and especially spending time with his beloved family. Some of his most special family memories after retirement were during his summers at “The Condo” on Canandaigua Lake. He could often be found with a camera in hand, capturing his grandchildren, nature, and wildlife.
He will be remembered for his selfless generosity, his hardworking spirit, his sense of humor and his resolve to say exactly what was on his mind.
Family meant everything to him, and we are grateful that he is now reunited with his soulmate Lois.
Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, October 29th from 4-6pm at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home at 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road. Internment Thursday October 30th at 9:15am at All Seasons Chapel, White Haven Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a wildlife preserve or a charity supporting local or national parks.
4 responses to “Forward, Gerald “Jerry””
Great memories of the Forward brothers Bud,John,Jerry and Bill meeting at the Naples diner at 5AM
for the opening day of trout season
I remember with great fondness the generosity of my great Uncle Jerry and Aunt Lois in having me down to Canandaigua when I would visit Jackie. I will always treasure those memories.
God Bless our Aquinas Brother.
Rose, John and family,
My condolences on the passing of your father. What a blessing to have had him for so long and for him to enjoy his many descendants. May his memory continue to a blessing for all.