Obituary of John S. Forte

John S. Forte, a longtime Harding Township resident, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Morristown Medical Center. He was 79.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Beverly Forte (née Banford); one daughter, Julie Forte; one sister, Eleanor Forte McGill and her husband Steven Monk; one brother, Frank Forte; two cherished grandchildren, Brianna and Jack Scalley; one Godson, Anthony McGill; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his son, John A. Forte in 2015; and two brothers, Vincent and Daniel Forte.

John was born in Sulmona, Italy on November 5, 1945 to the late Daniel and Esther Forte. The family returned to the United States when John was very young, settling back in Madison where he was raised with his siblings. He was a graduate of Madison High School and a lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church.

John and Beverly were married on January 16, 1965 and settled in Madison where they raised their family, later moving to Harding Township. John was a wonderful father, husband and brother. He was especially proud to be a grandfather to Brianna and Jack.

John was a genuine person who had a big heart, and he fought for what was right.  He would help anyone in need and give you the shirt off his back. He was awarded a Medal of Valor by the NJ State PBA 263 of Livingston for a selfless act of bravery.

John was the owner and operator of Forte Brother’s Demolition and a member of Union Local 825. He was a hardworking and well-respected master of his trade. John was called upon during 9/11 to assist at the World Trade Center.

When John was not working or with his family, he loved hunting and was a true outdoorsman. He had a deep respect for nature. John was also an avid reader and studied WW2 history.

We have lost a unique legend. We will always keep John’s memories in our hearts forever. May he Rest in Peace. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for John on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025 followed by Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

Charitable contributions may be made in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.