Obituary of David James Forsythe

David Forsythe, of Reading MA, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the age of 80. The love of his family and his deep Catholic values were guiding principles in his life. 

David was the beloved son of the late Francis and Inez (Doherty) Forsythe. He was the loving father of Kellie Walsh and her husband David of Reading, Michael Forsythe and his wife Rene’ of Middletown, NJ, and Laura Forse and her husband Geoff of Reading. He was also survived by his former wife Maureen Forsythe. He was the cherished brother of Frances Aronis of Billerica, Judith Goodwin of San Diego, and the late Richard Forsythe and Carol Scott. He was affectionately known as ‘Gramps’ to Thomas and Daniel Walsh, Kiera and Kailey Forsythe, and Madelyn, Ethan, and Matthew Forse. David leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends, and a lifetime of happy memories.

Raised in Cambridge, David spent many summers at Sheila’s Grove in Merrimack NH. He graduated from Cambridge RindgeTech and Northeastern University. He spent most of his career at Heilind Electronics and loved his Heilind friends, retiring in March of 2024. David was an avid golfer, an excellent softball pitcher, enjoying bowling, horseshoes and cheering on Boston sports teams. He was a passionate supporter of all his grandchildren’s sports and activities, and loved attending their games, plays, concerts, and dance recitals. 

David’s greatest joy and source of pride was his family, friends, and the memories they created and times they spent together. David will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Friday, November 22 from 4-7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 71 Central Street, Stoneham, with a burial to follow at Lindenwood Cemetery in Stoneham.

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or at https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift.