Obituary of John Joseph Forrest

John Joseph Forrest, Jr., a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves and longtime employee of the New England Telephone Company passed away on Saturday afternoon, November 4, 2017. He was 81 years old. John was born in Cambridge, the son of John J. and Anne Forrest. Following his graduation from Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School, he went on to pursue higher education earning his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Boston College, a Masters of Business Administration from Suffolk University, and a Master’s degree from the Commanding General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. John managed two very different careers simultaneously during his working years. During his almost 30 years with New England Telephone, New York Telephone, and Verizon, he worked in sales, marketing and training. His second career was the military. John proudly served his active duty in the US Army in Korea. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant and served with Company E of the 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry Regiment as a unit commander. Following his discharge, he joined the US Army Reserves where he continued to serve his country for 25 more years. He sacrificed much of his vacation and family time so that he could serve. At the time of his retirement from the military in 1986, John had achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John could be described as passionate and competitive. If he was going to do something, he was going to strive to be the best. John was an avid tennis player and marathon runner. He was a member of the Massachusetts State Police Striders and completed 10 marathons including the Boston Marathon (5 times) and the New York City Marathon, as well as marathons in Washington D.C., Casco Bay, Maine and Lowell, Massachusetts. He also ran the Falmouth Road Race many times. Together with his marathon friends, John once ran from the Sagamore Bridge to Provincetown in one weekend. John married his wife Marilyn in May of 1962. They shared 55 years together. They made Burlington their home from 1968 to 2003, and that is where they raised their 3 children. He was a role model for his children, emphasizing a strong work ethic and the value of a good education. He was fondly called “Pum” by his grandchildren whom he adored. He had a numerous circles of friends, including his co-workers, military colleagues, fellow runners and tennis players, extended family, and neighbors. He enjoyed living in South Dennis for the last 14 years. Summers on the Cape were filled with family and friends enjoying the beaches and each other’s company. John was the loving husband of Marilyn (Mooney) Forrest. He was the loving father of Susan Pellegrino & her husband Robert of Westford, Allison Larson & her husband Steven of Chelmsford, and Stephen Forrest & his wife Elizabeth of Arlington. He was the proud grandfather of Samantha Pellegrino, Caroline & Matthew Larson, and Zachary & Emma Forrest. John was pre-deceased by his parents, John J. & Anne Forrest, and his infant brother David. He is also survived and remembered by many other treasured relatives and friends. Funeral Services with military honors will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. His remains will be buried with his fellow Veterans in a private ceremony at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 3981 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, www.arlboston.org.