Richard C. Forrest

Richard C. Forrest, 89, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2017 in the nursing home on the Havenwood Retirement Community Campus in Concord, NH.

He was born on June 23, 1928, the son of Richard and Agnes (Taylor) Forrest of Hyde Park, MA.

Richard was a graduate of Hyde Park High School, was a U. S. Navy veteran, serving in the latter period of World War II, and then graduated in 1953 from Northeastern University in Boston, MA with a B. A. degree in English and History.

He married Janette Nelson on June 21, 1952 in Ryegate, VT. They lived in Cambridge and Belmont, MA, and then in 1958 moved to Reading, MA where Richard became Vice Treasurer of the Reading Savings Bank. In 1975, he was appointed Bank Treasurer and later became Vice President. Richard was a Bank Officer with Reading Savings Bank and Massbank for 35 years.

He was a past President of the Wilmington, MA Rotary Club and served as Treasurer for several years. He was also a past President and Treasurer of the Reading Symphony Orchestra.

Richard and his wife Janette were active members of the First Congregational Church in Reading for over forty years where he served on the Stewardship Committee and for several years as Church Representative and Committeeman for Boy Scout Troop 704. They also more recently attended the Union Congregational Church of North Reading.

Upon his retirement, he and Janette enjoyed spending fifteen winters in Florida and three winters on the coast of South Carolina. They also did extensive traveling, throughout the United States, and to Canada and Great Britain.

Richard is predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years. Survivors include three devoted children: Jay Forrest of Newmarket, NH, Donna Palermo and her husband Robert of Hampton, NH, and Jon Forrest and his wife Pamela of Glastonbury, CT; three loving grandchildren: Maria Palermo, Richard Palermo, and Samantha Forrest; and a wonderful group of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He is also predeceased by his sister Dorothy Avery and her husband Ken of Rumney, NH, his brother-in-law Howard Nelson and his wife Evelyn of Ryegate, VT, his brother-in-law Harold Nelson and his wife Vera of Ryegate, VT, and his close friend Richard Anthony and his wife Phyllis of Wakefield, MA.

A memorial service will be held on Friday November 24 at 12 noon at the Presbyterian Church in Ryegate, VT where Richard and Janette were married. Interment will follow at the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Ryegate, after which there will be a collation at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's name to: Ryegate Presbyterian Church, c/o Joyce White, 772 Davidson Road, East Ryegate, VT 05042.

A small memorial service will also be held for his Havenwood friends on Saturday December 9 at 2 pm in the Chapel at Havenwood.