SPRINGFIELD ~ Dona Philip Forgette, Jr., “Forge”, 85, was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield, the beloved son of Dona P. and Flora M. (Pepin) Forgette, where he remained a lifelong resident. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Specialist Third Class. He received both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for over 40 years and he took pride in being a specialist of his trade. He was a lifetime member of the Lodge of Elks No. 1849 in Chicopee. He was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Hope Church in Springfield. He was an avid traveler who cherished the trips he took around the world with his family and friends and could often be found puttering around his home on one of his never ending projects. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend of over 63 years, Viola T. (Salvas) Forgette. He also leaves behind his loving daughter, Michelle, and caring son-in-law, Mark Tetrault, of Feeding Hills. He leaves his cherished grandsons of Florida, Brendan Tetrault and Nick Tetrault along with his adored wife Catherine and their daughter, Faith, who was his “little sweetheart”. His Funeral will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with United States Army Military Honors at 10 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. His Burial will be private at the convenience of his family. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Medical Center, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
