Thomas Forte

Thomas Jerome “Tommy”  Forte, age 53, entered eternal life August 12, 2017 after a long, strong battle with cancer.  Tom was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 26, 1963 to the late Jerome “Jay” and Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Anderson) Forte.  Tom graduated from Mayfield High School in 1982. After graduating, he met the love of his life Donna at Forest City Lumber Company.  After leaving her countless notes and letters, they went on their first date which was the beginning of their forever relationship as they married on October 20, 1989.

Tom followed his father’s footsteps and became a Fire Fighter when he was 18 years old at the Mayfield Village Fire Department.  Later down the road, Tom pursued his Paramedic (EMS) career in 1987 for the City of Cleveland where he retired on disability in 2013 due to his illness after 32 years on the job.  Aside from his hectic work schedule of night shifts and hours of overtime, Tom’s entire life was dedicated to his family and his children – his greatest treasures and biggest accomplishments.  For those of you who knew Tom, you knew his love for sports.  This is one of his many great qualities that his instilled within his children.  He coached and attended all sporting events for each of his children from dance competitions, to softball tournaments, to every single soccer game… Tom didn’t miss one game.  When Tom was diagnosed in the summer of 2013, he received the gift of his wiener dog, Louie, from his wife and children.  As such, Louie is one of the most important members of the Forte household.  Many of his family members know how many hours he had spent with his beloved canine companion and that time became known to as “Lou time.”

Tommy’s family described him as the most amazing, caring individual you will ever meet.  He was a loving husband and father who spent his conversations bragging about how proud he was of all of his children and their achievements.  His six children were his entire life and he dedicated all of his time to them and their successes.  Tom had a personality that would light up the entire room with his quirky humor and charm – it was contagious to everyone.

Tom is survived by his wife of 27 years, Donna M. (nee Colosimo) Forte; children Thomas J. Jr. Forte, (Tori), Olivia Forte, Vincent Forte, Alyssa Forte, Francesca “Frankie” Forte, and Georgianna “Georgie” Forte; sibling’s Barbara (Timothy) Antos, Donna Zadd (Daniel), Michael (Toni) Forte, and Timothy Forte; and brother-law, uncle and friend to many; and his canines Bella, Louis, Luna and Kobe.

Besides his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his brother Robert Forte, and in-laws Dominic and Carmella Colosimo.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral cost.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, August 18, 2017 at St. Paschal Baylon Church at 10:30 am. Entombment following at Lake View Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Tommy at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop and Rt. 91) THURSDAY 3-5 & 6-8 PM.