Obituary of John Forbes

Answered his last call on APRIL 19, 2013. Jack passed with his loving children by his side, after a long courageous battle with cancer. His courage throughout his life was amazing, Jack passed with grace and dignity, Rest peacefully Dad, we love you so! Born in Rhinebeck, NY on May 24, 1941, to John A. & Victorine Forbes, Jack grew up in Rhinebeck, and Graduated from Rhinebeck Central School in 1959, where he was an outstanding athlete in Basketball, Baseball and Soccer. He served in the United State Navy from 1959 to 1963, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class. He was assigned to a helicopter squadron, anti submarine crew, and participated in the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He attended Dutchess Community College, where he graduated with a ABA Degree. While at DCC he was a top pitcher for the Falcons, with a fast ball well over 90 mph, he helped them to many baseball victories. Jack worked many jobs, to support his growing family, but made his career with the City of Poughkeepsie Fire department, for over 30 years, servings as Firefighter, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief an instructor in the Westchester Fire Academy, and City of Poughkeepsie Fire Chief from 1994-2001. Our Dad was one of the bravest firefighters, in our eyes a super hero. He did receive several commendations, including Medals of Honor and for Bravery. The day of the Blizzard of 1978, Dad rescued a little girl, who was trapped on the second floor of a raging house fire, where he snatched the little girl from her crib, and jumped to safety out a second story window after dropping the little girl to the waiting arms of someone outside. Dad suffered serious burns during this rescue. Before beginning his career as a professional firefighter, Jack served as a volunteer with the Rhinebeck Fire Department, with his father and then with the Hillside Vol. Fire Department, with his brother Jimmy Forbes, and later his son Darren. Jack achieved Life Membership with the Hillside F.D. Firefighting was a family tradition, and his son Ian followed in his footsteps becoming a professional firefighter as well. Dad's interests included fishing, hunting, sports, gardening, mechanical & carpentry work. He ran his families mini farm, raising livestock, and growing large gardens. He was an amazing handyman and carpenter. He completely renovated his family's farm house in Rhinebeck, while raising his family there. He enjoyed golfing, and baseball watching Renegades games and spring training games he would attend in Florida. Which were especially fun with family by his side. After retirement Dad and his wife Joyce enjoyed living in Florida during the winter months. Jack also enjoyed staying in touch with friends where he caught up with many on a Rhinebeck High School website. Jack belonged to the Poughkeepsie Elks Lodge, and the American Legion Post 429 Rhinebeck, NY, and was a member D.C. Chief's Council & advisory board. Most of all he was the father of a loving and caring family that will miss him terribly. Jack is survived by his loving wife Joyce Allcroft Forbes, they married in 1994. He is survived by his children, Darren Forbes, & his wife Linda, Heather Forbes-Berryann, and Ian Forbes. He also leaves six grandchildren who he loved dearly, Kaitlin, Siobhan, Erin & John Patrick Forbes, and William & Thomas Berryann. He is survived by his nieces, his brother's children, Justine & Judi Forbes, and their children. He was predeceased by his father and mother, his brother James (Jimmy) Forbes, and his first wife Noreen Doyle Forbes Reilly, the mother of his children. Jack & his family are grateful for all the caring and attention shown by Doctors, Nurses and staff at both Sarasota Regional Medical center and Vassar Brothers Medical Center, thank you! Funeral Services will be conducted by the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY, on Thursday April 25, 2013, from 4p to 8p, Firefighters services will be held, as well as Veterans services by American Legion Post 429 at 7pm. Funeral service will be at the Funeral home, on Friday April 26, 2013 at 10:30am, with a Funeral Procession / Review past the City of Poughkeepsie Fire houses he served, with interment at the Rhinebeck Cemetery immediately following. If you would like to leave an online condolence or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com