Obituary of Robert Anthony Forte

Robert Anthony Forte, 72 years, of Randolph, New Jersey On Wednesday morning, September 23rd, 2015 died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Bob passed, finally succumbing to the aggressive cancer he fought for longer than a year— bravely eclipsing and more than doubling, the expectations of his diagnosing physicians. His physical fitness, of which he was extremely proud, and for which he worked very hard, had served him well during his treatment. He maintained his quality of life, and his ability to enjoy family and friends, almost until the very end. Bob was a loving and beloved, father, husband, brother, son, son-in-law, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marilyn Forte, his three children Michael Forte of Rancho Carrillio, California, Joseph Forte of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Robin Ortale of Atlanta, Georgia, their respective spouses Lisa Forte, Heather Avery Forte, and Michael Ortale, as well as his four grandsons Ulysses, Brooks, Bennett, and Luke. Bob is also survived by his mother-in-law Marge Corona of Raritan, NJ, his brother Joe and sister-in-law Sharon Forte of Raritan, his brother-in-law Fred Corona and sister-in-law Sue Corona of Mendham, NJ, his sister-in-law Janice Forte of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents Angelo and Olga Forte (Ruggini) and his brother Rocky Forte. After graduating from Trenton State College with an Education BA in 1965 and Industrial Arts Education MA in 1966, he began his professional life as a teacher of Industrial Arts and Wrestling Coach for Randolph High School in Randolph, NJ. While at Randolph, over the next several years, Coach Forte developed the wrestling team into one that challenged regularly for the New Jersey State Championship. He became one of the most successful coaches in New Jersey high school sports and—more importantly —one of the most beloved and respected. He was more than a coach to his wrestlers, functioning often as a true mentor and even a father figure. In October 2015 Bob and his championship wrestling team will be inducted into the Randolph Athletic Council Hall of Fame. Leaving education in 1988, Bob followed one of his passions into business for himself, operating Denville Camera Shop in Denville, NJ for more than 19 years. In partnership with Marilyn and their children, Bob developed the shop into one of the most valuable photography resources in the area, and a real community treasure. When a changing climate surrounding film photography and wet-lab printing turned the industry upside-down, Bob and Marilyn closed the store and began to enjoy retirement and their grandchildren. Before his illness and even well into its treatment, Bob retired the way he lived: with a pointed intention, an aspirational discipline, and a strong commitment to the axiom: “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” During his life, and among many other things, he was an accomplished marathon runner, a long-distance cyclist, an avid bowler (perfect 300 game in 2014), a fantasy-camp baseball infielder, a pool shark, and a pinball wizard. There is not enough room here to do it justice, but he was a great man. He will be missed. Memorial visitation will be 3:00pm to 5:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday, September 25th 2015 at Tuttle Funeral Home, Route 10 West, Randolph, NJ., 07869 (www.tuttlefh.com). Memorial Mass will be held at St. Ann’s Church, 45 Anderson St., Raritan, NJ., 08869 on Saturday, September 26th, 2015 at 10:15am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Robert Forte Scholarship Fund will be greatly appreciated. Checks can be made out to RAC/RFSF and sent to: Ron Standridge, 9 Rebecca Ct., Randolph, NJ 07869.