Mr. Emil M. Forgotch, age 94, of Mahanoy City passed away peacefully Tuesday in the comfort of his home.
Born in Mahanoy City he was the son of the late John & Anna (Cech) Forgotch.
He attended Mahanoy City schools.
An Army veteran of WWII he served with four of his other brothers. He was stationed at Camp Stoneman, CA, where he took his Basic Training before being sent overseas.
He was sent to the Pacific Theater of Operations. For our freedom he fought the war at Milne Bay, Finchaven and Hollandia in New Gunea and then for the invasion of the Phillipian Islands under General Douglas McArthur.
While in the service he earned the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with 3 bronze battle stars and the Phillipean Liberation Ribbon.
On the homefront he and his brothers operated one of the last deep coal mining operations in the Mahanoy City area. He last worked for Alcoa in Cressona.
A man of deep faith he committed his life to his church and his family. He was a devoted parishioner of the former St. Maryβs/Assumption BVM Church, Sacred Heart Church and the current St. Teresa of Calcutta Church.
He faithfully attended the Divine Mercy monthly devotion and the perpetual adoration chapel. He dutifully served in a multitude of roles including lector, liturgical assistant and maintenance man to name a few.
There was nothing he could not fix or repair and was a skilled craftsman in a variety of trades.
He is a 72 year member of the American Legion Post 74, the former VFW and the West End Fire and Rescue Company.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 59 years Helen Makar Forgotch, 5 brothers Joseph, Frank, Vincent, John and George and a son in law Pete Strenchock. Survivors include 6 daughters Helene Marshall and her husband Steven of Mableton GA,Β Karen McElhenny and her husband Jack of Lecanto FL, Marie Strenchock of Morea, Christine Forgotch and her companion Joseph Whalen of Frackville, Joanne Bronsburg and her husband Gary of Mahanoy City and Lisa Creasy and her husband Wayne of Danville.
Other survivors include a brother Stephen of William Penn and a sister Helen Dunsavage of Barnesville, grandchildren John, Brian, Roshaun and Cailin McElhenny, Janelle Bowman, Kyla Falzarano, Logan and Trevor Strenchock, Alexandra Martz and Adam Creasy, great grandchildren Trey, Tevin, Brody, Patch, Brett, Max, Ariana, Harper and Jacob and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. Interment with military honors will follow at Sky View Memorial Park in Hometown.
Friends may call at the church on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers contributions in his name to American Legion Post 74 or St. Teresa of Calcutta Church would be appreciated by the family and will be accepted at the visitation or can be sent via mail. David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.
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