Dennis R. Forsyth

Dennis Richard Forsyth, a lifelong resident of Newtown, PA died peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Doylestown Hospital. He was 70 years old.
Born and raised alongside his two brothers in Newtown, he developed early the passions and prides he carried with him throughout his life. Family. Service. Country. Phillies.
In 1973, Denny graduated from Council Rock High School and implemented his life plan immediately by going to work for Bucks County, and by volunteering with the Newtown Fire Association, an organization that had been in his family's blood since his grandfather joined back in 1915.
Denny joined the County workforce as Dispatcher 75, quickly moving into the ranks of management, serving as Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Superintendent of Operations and finally Deputy Director of 911 Communications. Denny was instrumental in bringing 911 to Bucks County in 1992 (the first County in the greater Philadelphia area go live with this life-saving service). He was integral to the planning, implementation and success of the fire box card system, the first Computer-Aided dispatch program, and the deployment of the Bucks 1 communications vehicle, cutting-edge equipment modernizing on-scene capabilities and saving lives. He earned the affection and respect of his co-workers by his dedication, humor, and team-focus.
Denny was a lifetime member of the Newtown Fire Association, serving for over 52 years. He became Chief in 1989 and served in that capacity for 10 years. Following he tenure as Chief, he served as President of the organization for 5 years. As the department increasingly struggled to recruit a stable base of volunteers, his leadership was pivotal in establishing a paid crew, further proving his commitment to the safety of the residents of his beloved Newtown.
Denny's life found completeness when he met and married his cherished Lisa and became a father to his beloved Christopher. One became Two. And Two became Three. Marrying a bit later in life, one might have expected him to struggle adapting to marriage, fatherhood, and the instant acquisition of literally dozens of relatives as he became part of a large Italian family. But Denny thrived in his new role, and his unwavering love for his wife, gentle guidance to his son, and enthusiastic participation in the (constant!) gatherings with his new in-laws fulfilled not only his own life, but the lives of those blessed to be around him. Lisa and Denny's home became a favorite spot for Christopher's friends to gather, and for family holiday celebrations and swim parties. He was a gregarious and welcoming host, and his earnest smile and occasional eye-roll made those events memorable for their warmth. Perhaps never the life of the party, he was always its heart.
Denny shared his passion for NASCAR and the Phillies with his son, and the two spent many hours watching their favorites. The day Christopher went to work for the Phillies organization was one of the happiest of his life. Lisa and Denny spent many happy hours at the ballpark cheering on their favorite team and celebrating with pride their son's successes.
Denny loved gardening, woodworking, country music, and his country. His pride in the United States of America was bone-deep, and he passed that passion on to his son. His home was festooned with symbols of that pride, and his thoughtful participation and discussion in government and politics were inspiring to all.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents George A. Forsyth, Sr and Alberta (Tanner). He is survived by his beloved wife Lisa (Ventresca) and son Christopher, brothers George Forsyth Jr. and Glenn Forsyth (Kimberly), sisters-in-law Regina Creedon (Michael), Rosanna Gehringer (James), and brother-in-law Benjamin Ventresca (Susan), nephews and nieces George III (Renee), James, Jacklyn Thomas (Greg), Nicholas, Morgan, Cameron, Ryan (Christine), Michael (Meghan), Greg (Oona), Julie (Eric), Stephanie, James and many cherished cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Dennis Forsyth was a gentle giant. He gave love freely, demanded much of himself and those around him and was a role model to all who knew him. In return, he was loved, he was respected, and he was appreciated. He faced the diagnosis of a cruel and degenerative illness with strength, dignity, and calm. He was taken from us too soon but leaves behind a great legacy. He will be so missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet Dennis's family on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA. There will be an opportunity for visitation on Thursday, July 31 from 10:00 am until his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Interment will follow immediately at Newtown Cemetery, 600 Newtown Yardley Road, Newtown, PA.
Contributions in Dennis's memory may be made to the Newtown Fire Association (14 Liberty Street, Newtown, PA 18940), an organization to which he dedicated over 50 years of service, or to Penn Medicine Doylestown Health Hospice, who so compassionately cared for both Dennis and his family during this most difficult time.