Senate Resolution No. 2457

BY: Senator HINCHEY

MOURNING the death of Joseph S. Forte,
distinguished veteran, devoted family man and
dedicated member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose military service and civic
endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and
this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Joseph S. Forte of Kingston, New York, died on Thursday,
March 17, 2022, just nine days short of his 93rd Birthday; and

WHEREAS, Born on March 26, 1929, in Kingston, New York, he was the
son of the late Machileo and Lillian (Turco) Forte; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 15, Joseph S. Forte became a member of the
New York Guard and after turning 16, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps
to serve his country during World War II; he was promoted to the rank of
Sergeant and was an instructor for B-25 Gunners; and

WHEREAS, When it was discovered he was underage, young Joseph S.
Forte was discharged and returned home to work various jobs until he
turned 17 and then reenlisted; and

WHEREAS, Joseph S. Forte auditioned and was accepted for the United
States Military Academy Band at West Point; for the next 26 years, he
was a member of the band's "Hellcats" and traveled with the football
team in addition to performing other duties with the band; and

WHEREAS, During his time in service to his country, Joseph S. Forte
competed in many marksmanship competitions in both rifle and pistol; and

WHEREAS, He won many competitions and received an "Excellence in
Competition" Marksmanship Rating, as well as holding certifications for
Expert Marksman in rifle, pistol, carbine, and machine gun; and

WHEREAS, Joseph S. Forte's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Joseph S. Forte was actively
involved in many local veteran affairs organizations where he held
numerous offices; for his service, he was inducted into the New York
State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Joseph S. Forte performed Taps at countless military
services in the Ulster County area, stopping shortly after turning 91;
and

WHEREAS, Joseph S. Forte will be remembered as a man who would do
anything for his family, friends, and veterans; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his
children, Teresa Forte; his second wife, Carol A. Forte; two children,
Edward Forte and Teresa M. "Terri" Forte-Caballero; one grandchild,
Anthony Sauro; and three siblings, Teresa DeBrosky, Angeline Nelson and
Michael P. Forte, Joseph S. Forte is survived by his six children,
Marian Apprich, Joseph P. (Mary) Forte, SFC William J.J. (Doris) Forte,
Lawrence W. Forte, Rose Forte-Piccoli (Frank), and Lt. Col. Anthony K.
Forte; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren; as well as one
sister, Arlene Bruck; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Joseph S. Forte leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Joseph S. Forte, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Joseph S. Forte.