Gary B. LaForest

Gary B. LaForest, age 78, passed away on September 9, 2023, after a long illness. Born in Arlington, he was the son of the late Byron J. LaForest and Gladys M. (Hanson LaForest) Carlino, and the late Ermie W. Carlino, and grew up in Arlington and Stoughton. He was a graduate of Stoughton High School. After high school, he joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross and remained a member until he left in 1973. During this time, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and pursued studies in psychological counseling at Fairfield University. He also taught at Notre Dame Boys High School in Bridgeport, CT and at Fairfield Preparatory School. After leaving The Congregation, he earned graduate degrees from Weston School of Theology and Harvard Graduate School of Education.

During his career, Gary was a management consultant, both as an employee, independent contractor, and principal for various organizations, including David B. Goerlitz and Associates, The Democracy Foundation, and the U.S. Navy. He undertook roles in management and organizational development, marketing, and content development. He was proud of the work he did at Goerlitz and Associates on the Gateway Project, which targeted tobacco and substance abuse in young people, and resulted in his co-authoring the book Smoke Screen. Over the years, Gary also taught at various schools, which included schools in Philadelphia and Massachusetts, where his students held him in high esteem. The family and those who knew him will remember Gary for his love of animals, sense of humor and wit, and for his skilled musicianship. He was choir director at Fairfield Preparatory School and St. Sebastian’s School. He filled our home with song – both on piano and vocally. We will always remember it.

Gary is survived by his siblings Susan L. Carlino of Dedham and James F. Carlino of Millis and was preceded in death by his brother Theodore M. LaForest and sister Marian Carlino Hadden. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Theodore M. LaForest, Jr. and his wife Melissa, Brian Fenstermaker, Jr., and his partner Katie, Synneve Carlino, and Jennifer Barry and her husband Sean, along with a great nephew and many great nieces. Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s name may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center One Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston, MA 02215, the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452, or a charity of one’s choice.