Lawrence Eric Forrest

Lawrence Eric Forrest

Aug 13, 1939–Feb 28, 2023

Larry passed away peacefully at his home on early Tuesday morning after a three-year struggle with Leukemia.

Larry was the second oldest of the six Forrest boys from Hills Street, East Hartford. His parents Walter and Sophie were active in town politics and East Hartford Grange. He was predeceased by Walter, his oldest brother. Larry graduated from what is now Eastern Connecticut State University with a teaching degree. He went on to receive a Master's degree from Antioch College in Ohio. He taught middle school science beginning in Ashford, then Lebanon, and lastly for the majority of his 36-year career at Sage Park in Windsor.

Larry leaves Jo-Ann (Spiller) his wife of nearly 60 years; his three children, Scot Forrest, spouse Deb, Stacy, spouse Gary LaClair, Roxanne, spouse Dean Houle; and nine grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremy and fiancée, Audrey, Branden, Samantha and fiancé, CJ, Justin, Maddi, Brianna, Anna, Hayley; his sister-in-law Helene (Walter) of East Hartford, James and Elizabeth "Betty" of Lebanon, Frank and Elizabeth "Betsy" of East Hartford, Robert "Bob" and Elizabeth "Liz" of Nevada, Thomas and Jan of Waterbury; along with cousin Jerry Masco and Jerry Demuth; brother-in-law Alan and Lucretia "Cre" Spiller of Arizona; sister-in-law Terri and James Patella of South Windsor; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry was an active member of St Matthew Parish of Tolland from its inception. Larry and Jo-Ann were among the first members of the choir and they cantered as a couple at masses for over 30 years. He and another member started the folk group, which sang at the Civic Center in Hartford. Larry and Jo-Ann were Chairmen of Couple to Couple for the deanery program for engaged couples being married in the church for 40 years. They developed the first family weekend in Connecticut along with the Gebhart's of Enfield. They were also part of "Marriage Encounter" for many years. Larry was an avid gardener and horticulturist, he loved his orchids and their home was surrounded by flowers. He is known for his hard work and willingness to lend a hand to anyone with a problem. He enjoyed being physically active with biking, splitting wood, hiking, tennis, (skiing) water and cross-country. He and his family were longtime members of Crystal Lake Beach and Boat Club. He loved spending time at the Forrest family cabin in Vermont, with his immediate and extended family. In addition, he loved spending time watching his grandkids at their many sports and activities; as well as countless trips to Old Sturbridge Village; Mystic Sea Port and umpteen ice cream shops.

We would like to thank the Hospice nurses and most especially Michelle his caregiver.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, March 5, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m., at Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Merrow Road, Tolland. A Celebration of Larry's life will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, with reception to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://moyamoya-foundation.org

For online condolences or directions, please visit http://www.pietrasfuneralhome.com