Harrison Forde Jr., 91, passed away peacefully at the United Methodist Homes Hilltop campus on September 11 surrounded by his family. Born in Kingston, NY, Harrison lived in Apalachin for over 55 years. He graduated from Hartwick College and retired from IBM Owego in 1990 where he worked as a computer programmer. He married Patricia Race in 1953 and they were happily married for 64 years until her passing in 2017. Harrison was a member of the South Apalachin Baptist Church where he served as the missionary treasurer and went on many missionary trips including ones to Russia. Harrison had a passion for the outdoors and was a proud member of the Adirondack 46er’s and Triple Cities Hiking Club and finished his goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1992. He loved to travel and was ready for any trip at a moment’s notice and he and Pat took many trips throughout the country visiting family and friends. Harrison most of all loved spending time with his family and was never too busy to lend a hand. He was always at their sporting events, ballet recitals, first days of school, or just taking walks. Every family member could remember their birthday starting out with his off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
Harrison is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Patricia. Surviving to honor his memory are his sister, Betty Lou and his children, Ted, Carol, and Cathy (Fulton). Also surviving are his grandchildren Jessica and James (Peggy), and great grandchildren, Mia and Luca. Also, numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Hilltop Community for their support and Lourdes Hospice for their outstanding care. A special thanks to his “puzzle” friends Helen and Dave and his caregivers Alison, Laurie, Bonnie, and Fawn for the great compassion they showed him over the past months.
A memorial service will be held at South Apalachin Baptist Church at 4116 Pennsylvania Ave, Apalachin, 13732, on Oct 3 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the missionary fund at the church.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Harrison S, Forde, Jr., please visit our floral store.