Norman Forde

Norman F. Forde, age 80, a forty-year resident of Wollaston who, with his beloved wife Joan L.(Moriarty) Forde has lived in Middleborough since 2005, died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep at home on June 25, 2009. In addition to his wife Joan, Norman is survived by his children Suzanne Forde Rynne and her husband Christopher Rynne, M.D. of Scituate, Timothy Forde and his wife Gail Bernstein of Bethesda, Maryland, Jerry Forde and his wife Ann Marie (O’Malley) Forde of Quincy and Laura Forde of New York, New York. He was also devoted to his ten grandchildren: Deirdre, Bridget and Patrick Rynne, Christina, Kathleen, Stephen and Elizabeth Forde, and Benjamin, Alexander and Emma Forde. Norman was also the beloved brother of Marion Blanchard, Dorothy Pike, Virginia Wells, Stephen Forde, Jr., and the late John Forde. Norman was born in Boston and raised in Milton. He attended Boston College High School. A member of the United States Marine Corps, Norman was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1951. Throughout his life, Norman approached his professional and community activities with the same energy and enthusiasm that characterized his family life. He was a successful executive for several decades in the tire and sporting goods industries. A well-known activist in Quincy, he was the co-founder of Faxon House at Quincy City Hospital, one of the first alcohol detoxification centers in Massachusetts. He also chaired the Governor’s Advisory Council on Alcoholism and served on the City of Quincy’s Rent Grievance Board. More recently, Norman served as the assistant coach of the sailing team at St. Sebastian’s School in Needham. As his friends and family can attest, Norman greatly enjoyed life and had many interests, including skiing, sailing, gardening and spirited political debate. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St. Wollaston, on Monday, June 29 at 9:15 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann’s Church Wollaston at 10am. Visiting hours Sunday 3-7pm. Burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Quincy. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Norman may be made to Father Bills MainSpring, 38 Broad St. Quincy, MA 02169.