Stephen William Forktus

Stephen William Forktus, 92, of Raritan, died peacefully on May 5, 2023.

Born in Kulpmont, PA to the late Stephen and Agnes Forktus, he was raised in Mt. Carmel, PA where he graduated High School in 1949. He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a proud life member of the Manville V.F.W. Post 2290 and American Legion Post 12. After his honorable discharge, Stephen met the love of his life, Josephine Simonetti, and the two settled in Raritan, where they raised their family. While raising his three sons, he spent time as their little league coach in Raritan and enjoyed taking family trips to Wildwood every summer.

Mr. Forktus was a devout communicant of The Roman Catholic Church of St. Ann in Raritan with his family. He volunteered for many years at their Festa and was the former vice president of the Holy Name Society. One of the original organizers for St. Ann Bingo, where he would volunteer his time every Sunday Night.

His faith and love of God and Church showed in his actions and all he did. Stephen spent his 36 years working at Johns Manville and was a member of their Quarter-Century Club. He then worked for Pharmacia Corporation before his retirement in 1992. That year, he began spending every winter at their residence Deerfield Beach Florida. Steve loved all sports, especially the New York Jets and New York Mets. He was an avid bowler who bowled a perfect game at the Manville Borough League. His athleticism and love for sports spanned from when he ran the Penn Relays in High School on the track team and played football, to competing with his fellow soldiers during his time in the Army. He took twenty-one memorable cruises as well as enjoyed trips throughout the United States and to Italy. Mr. Forktus was a generous man who always had a smile on is face. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to be in his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine “Jo” Forktus in 2017, and his dear siblings, Edward Forktus and Goldie Bennett. Surviving are his loving sons, Stephen, Mark and wife Victoria, and David, his cherished grandchildren Jacob, Sandra and husband Davey, Justin, Erica, Nicole, his adored great grandchildren Katie Jo and Mackenzie, his sister-in-law Pauline, as well as his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday May 9, 2023, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday May 10, 2023, at 9:00AM at The Roman Catholic Church of St. Anne. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Funeral Home beginning at 8:00 AM.

Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to The Roman Catholic Church of St. Ann, 45 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 or The American Lung Association, National Direct Response, PO Box 756, Osceola WI 54020-0756 or Donate Online .