Gary Forthofer

Gary Forthofer, 73, of Valley Stream, NY, joined Our Heavenly Father on August
14 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
Gary, the devoted son of Henry and Muriel (nee Kolb), was born in Springfield
Gardens, NY on May 23, 1951. In 1958, Gary, his parents, and two brothers, Henry and
Richard, made their home in Valley Stream.
After graduating from Valley Stream Central High School in 1969, Gary joined
the United States Navy and was a boilerman on the USS Mars. He proudly served our
country from 1969-1975 and was forever honored to be a Vietnam Veteran.
Before leaving for the Navy, Gary met his soul-mate and best friend, Linda (nee
Gunther) at Paul’s Diner on Merrick Road. It was love at first sight, for Gary promised
Linda that he would marry her one day; and that he did. On November 26, 1972, Gary
and Linda were wed at The Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Valley Stream. They
went on to have three wonderful and supportive sons, Casey, Shawn, and Michael.
The day after he returned from the Navy, Gary started his career at
LILCO/KeySpan, now known as National Grid. He became the Senior Gas System
Operator and remained there until his retirement in 2011.
After his retirement, Gary spent his time doing what he loved most: going on
boating trips and adventures, fishing, gardening, attending his grandchildren’s recitals
and games, taking walks with Linda, and helping family and friends with many home,
car, and boat projects. Simply being with family and friends was everything to Gary.
Gary is survived by his wife, Linda, sons Casey (Michele), Shawn (LoriAnne),
and Michael (Vera), eleven grandchildren Doniella, Riley, Angelo, Patrick, Anthony,
Vida, Adam, Noah, Lucas, Zoja, and Jacob, and brothers Henry (Elaine) and Richard
(Linda).
Gary’s light will forever shine bright because his patience, love, and generosity
will live on through all of our countless and beautiful memories of him. May he always
be remembered, may he always be loved, and may he always be honored.