Obituary for Dennis P. Forker
Dennis P. Forker, 80, of Rutherford, passed away on Sunday February 9, 2020.
Born in Bayonne to Michael and Ann (nee O’Donnell) Forker, Dennis was raised in Bayonne along with his two sisters, Roseanne and Margaret. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory School and a 1961 graduate of St. Peter’s College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Jersey City State College in 1972.
Following college, Dennis proudly enlisted in the United States Army. Dennis faithfully served his country in various duty stations for many years, leaving the US Army as a Sergeant. His service impacted him the rest of his life and served as an inspiration for his grandchildren to honor their God, their country and their family with a commitment to duty and sacrifice.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army, he returned to his hometown and met his sweetheart Martha (nee Mitrik). The two were married and began their life together in Bayonne where they raised their family. Twenty five years ago, they decided to make new roots in Rutherford where they remained.
Dennis was an employee of the Jersey City Public School System for 35 years, first as an English Teacher at Snyder High School, then at Dickinson High School and later as a Social Worker for the Child Study Team, before retiring in 2001.
He loved being outdoors, going to the beach, and spending time near the ocean. He was an avid fisherman who loved both deep sea and fly fishing and shared this love with his grandsons. His passion for the sea inspired him to build many model boats and eventually in his garage built a 14 ft. John Dory sailboat and named it “the Brendan”. This project was a gathering point for his neighbors who would visit him regularly to check on its progress and simply enjoyed “shooting the breeze” with him.
Dennis was a devout Catholic and attended daily Mass for many years.
Dennis will be deeply missed by his beloved and devoted wife of 53 years, Martha, his daughters Mary Beth Finn and husband David Sr, Eileen Haughney and husband Brian, grandchildren David Jr., and wife Jamie, Sean, Conor, Emily, Caroline, Patrick, Meaghan, Emmett and his sisters, Roseanne O’Connell and Margaret Doogan.
Family will receive friends Thursday 4-8pm in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home. 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.
Funeral Friday arriving 9:30am in Funeral Home for 10:30am Mass of Christian Liturgy in the Church of Saint Mary, Rutherford.
Interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Born in Bayonne to Michael and Ann (nee O’Donnell) Forker, Dennis was raised in Bayonne along with his two sisters, Roseanne and Margaret. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory School and a 1961 graduate of St. Peter’s College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Jersey City State College in 1972.
Following college, Dennis proudly enlisted in the United States Army. Dennis faithfully served his country in various duty stations for many years, leaving the US Army as a Sergeant. His service impacted him the rest of his life and served as an inspiration for his grandchildren to honor their God, their country and their family with a commitment to duty and sacrifice.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army, he returned to his hometown and met his sweetheart Martha (nee Mitrik). The two were married and began their life together in Bayonne where they raised their family. Twenty five years ago, they decided to make new roots in Rutherford where they remained.
Dennis was an employee of the Jersey City Public School System for 35 years, first as an English Teacher at Snyder High School, then at Dickinson High School and later as a Social Worker for the Child Study Team, before retiring in 2001.
He loved being outdoors, going to the beach, and spending time near the ocean. He was an avid fisherman who loved both deep sea and fly fishing and shared this love with his grandsons. His passion for the sea inspired him to build many model boats and eventually in his garage built a 14 ft. John Dory sailboat and named it “the Brendan”. This project was a gathering point for his neighbors who would visit him regularly to check on its progress and simply enjoyed “shooting the breeze” with him.
Dennis was a devout Catholic and attended daily Mass for many years.
Dennis will be deeply missed by his beloved and devoted wife of 53 years, Martha, his daughters Mary Beth Finn and husband David Sr, Eileen Haughney and husband Brian, grandchildren David Jr., and wife Jamie, Sean, Conor, Emily, Caroline, Patrick, Meaghan, Emmett and his sisters, Roseanne O’Connell and Margaret Doogan.
Family will receive friends Thursday 4-8pm in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home. 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.
Funeral Friday arriving 9:30am in Funeral Home for 10:30am Mass of Christian Liturgy in the Church of Saint Mary, Rutherford.
Interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.