Former School Committeeman George D. Forte, 76, Dies

George D. Forte, 76, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 31, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Forte was born September 20, 1937, son of the late George and Helen (Hayes) Forte. He was educated in Haverhill, graduating from Haverhill High School, class of 1955 and has been a lifelong resident of the city.

He served on the Haverhill School Committee for 16 years, presenting each of his children their high school diplomas at graduation.

Forte is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Claire R. (Boulay) Forte; four daughters Suzanne Mitchell and her husband Steven of Derry, N.H., Lynne Molloy and her husband Nicholas of Bradford, Sandra Hocking and her husband, Jeffrey of Haverhill, Paula DiBurro and her husband, James of Merrimac; son George J. Forte of Haverhill; sister Lucyann Romatelli of Haverhill; cousin Danny and Debbie Dastoli of Salisbury; four granddaughters, Jessica Mitchell, Lynnsey and Alexandra Molloy, and Ava DiBurro.

Forte had worked at Western Electric/Lucent Technologies in Management for 44 years before retiring in 1999. He was a former Venerable of Victor Emanuel Lodge Sons of Italy and former chairman and member of the Supervisory Committee of Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union.

He served on the Sacred Hearts Finance Committee and on the Appeals Board of Haverhill. George served in the U.S. Army & Army Reserves. He maintained and regulated the E. Howard Tower Clock at the Haverhill, Mass Post Office. Forte loved his days at Salisbury Beach, taking walks and eating beach pizza. He also loved eating sweets, as he was known as the candyman.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the calling hours on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St. Haverhill. His Funeral will be on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 in Sacred Hearts Church Bradford. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Haverhill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to be made to Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St. Suite 1300 Boston, MA 02114 (www.massgenral.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).