Henry Foresta

Henry "Hank" Foresta was born in 1939, one of three children of the Foresta family, on Fairfield street, in Revere, Massacusettes, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Hank was named after his pappa nonno, Erico, but he much preferred the diminutive "Hank". As the first born, he enjoyed special favor, but he recognized his duty as the leader to explain to his younger siblings the folly of lore like the tooth fairy, Easter bunny, and Santa Claus. The serious senior child guided his young clan, but always injected pokes of humorous digs.

Lanky Hank earned the nickname "Spider" as his childhood was married to playing baseball, football and handball on the streets and playgrounds; he worshiped Notre Dame Football. Like his father, everything was done in a hurry, but many things could be done at once, which imparted in him a fierce work ethic. From paperboy to gas station attendant, as was his nature, he did many favors for his customers, resulting in life long kinships.

Hank was shy and quiet, raised in an era where "children should be seen and not heard", and "you only speak when spokened to", and even then just please and thank you.

He studied political science at Cal State University Los Angeles before discovering his true love...The Los Angeles Police Force. During his 25 years in the department he earned many titles, ranging from traffic control officer to senior Sargent detective specializing in narcotic control. After retiring, he built a Southern California private detective business, which grew to more than one hundred employees.

Hank devoted his life to his wife Kathi and family, whom he cherished, including 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Family get-togethers, backyard barbeques, and sporting events [ especially the Los Angeles Angels Baseball team ] consumed his later years, along with the caring and doting of his beloved mother, whom he revered. He endured Parkinson's Disease with dementia complications, natures way of easing you into bliss, until his passing in January of 2025.

Hank will always be remembered as a very giving person to a fault, for sure; a "give the shirt of his back" kindly guy, but he questioned everything with a jaundiced eye capturing details that others might overlook...a true detective. As we are left with memories of him to reminisce, we are reminded that there are no answers, just stories; stories we will share now, because all we have is now; all we ever had was now.

Service will be held at Holy Name of Mary Church, 724 E Bonita ave., San Dimas, CA 91773 Monday February 24, 2025 at 9:30 am with reception to follow at the same church.