Joseph Forte

FORTE, Joseph A., age 86 of Vandalia, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2007 at Kindred Hospital in Dayton. He was born December 8, 1920 in Utica, NY, son of the late Nicola & Dominica (Amari) Forte. Joe was a retired logistics specialist with WPAFB, was a U.S. Army Veteran of WW II, a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, VFW Post #9582 and the American Legion. Joe was a longtime Butler Basketball announcer, football and basketball clock and scorekeeper; was a bus driver for the Vandalia Butler Schools where he loved taking students on a variety of field trips and was a driver for Avis Rent-A-Car. Joe was an umpire for over 25 years, umpiring Little League through semi-pro ball and was actively involved in the Vandalia Youth Baseball program for many years. Joe was an avid golfer and bridge player and he loved to bowl. Preceded in death by 1 brother, Alexander Forte and 1 sister, Palma Fragola, Joe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty (Bonomo) Forte; 3 daughters, Joanne Schieltz (James) of Lima, Mary Hall (Larry) of Vandalia, and Pamela Otto (Paul) of Butler Twp; 5 sons, Nicholas Forte (Susan) of FL, Vincent Forte (Karen) of GA, Dennis Forte (Donita) of KY, Joseph Forte of CO, and Mark Forte (Vicki) of Vandalia; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 21 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 401 E. National Rd., Vandalia with Fr. Francis Keferl officiating. Burial to follow at Poplar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 4-8 pm at St. Christopher Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vandalia Butler Foundation where a memorial fund will be established in Joes memory. Arrangements by Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.