Patrick "Russ" Forsyth

Patrick Russell Forsyth ("Russ"), age 89, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, at Mount Auburn Hospital, surrounded by his loving sons, following an illness.

Russ was born on March 17, 1936, in Brighton, Massachusetts, to Roseann (Cummiskey) and Percy Austin Forsyth. He was the tenth of eleven children and took great pride in his large family. He grew up on his parents' farm on Concord Road in Sudbury, Massachusetts, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and animals-especially dogs. Throughout his life, Russ found joy in bringing his brothers and sisters together, often around a card table, cherishing their laughter and companionship.

Though he often described his upbringing as hard, it instilled in him a lifelong work ethic and deep appreciation for perseverance. After four years of farm labor, his father rewarded him with a bicycle and later encouraged him to grow his own string bean garden. Russ ran a small roadside stand, learning early the value of hard work, self-reliance, and a dollar earned. Growing up during the Great Depression shaped his outlook for the rest of his life and laid the foundation for his future success as a businessman. From his Irish Catholic mother, he inherited a deep and abiding faith. A devoted Catholic, Russ spent many hours in prayer and at church, with faith remaining a central pillar of his life.

Russ graduated from Maynard High School in 1955, where he played football and was voted "Best Natured," a title that reflected his lifelong warmth and kindness. Following graduation, he proudly served four years in the United States Air Force in telecommunications. His service included temporary duty assignments around the world, from the icy terrain of Goose Bay, Labrador, to a memorable year stationed on the Air Force base in Crete, Greece. He fondly recalled spear fishing in the Aegean Sea during his time off.

He met the love of his life, Ann Davitt, at a dance hall in Marlborough. They were married on November 28, 1964, in Worcester, Massachusetts, beginning a devoted 61-year marriage built on love, respect, and partnership. Russ often said, "I don't know what I'd do without her."

Russ began his professional life selling shoes door-to-door throughout Middlesex County, where he quickly became known for his honesty and personable nature. He and Ann later earned their real estate licenses, and Russ embarked on a career that would define much of his professional life.

In 1968, he founded Forsyth Realty, beginning in a small home office before opening a one-room office on Nason Street in Maynard. Over more than 30 years, his business grew to serve Maynard, Acton, and Stow. Alongside managing his offices, Russ also oversaw rental properties. His naturally gregarious nature made him a well-respected and trusted presence in the local real estate community.

Russ was a longtime member of the Acton Rotary Club, where he once served as President, and he valued deeply the camaraderie and service the organization represented. He was also a proud member of the Nashoba Sportsman's Club.

Despite a demanding career, Russ always made time for family and friends. He especially loved bass fishing with his sons aboard his Boston Whaler on Lake Boone and chasing bluefish off Cape Cod. Friendly rivalry with his best friend, Joe Adams, made each trip memorable. On one unforgettable outing near Plum Island, Russ encountered a humpback whale that passed directly beneath his 16-foot boat.

Cape Cod held a special place in his heart, offering cherished family getaways filled with surf casting, golfing, and tossing a baseball on the beach. Time off, for Russ, was never to be wasted-his goal was to pack every moment with some pursuit, whether hunting, fishing, snorkeling, biking, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

He loved a good game of hearts with his family and had a knack for spotting whoever was "on a run." His laughter was contagious, and his sense of humor brought joy wherever he went.

In retirement, Russ's faith deepened even further. After moving to Chelmsford, he took pleasure in yard work and amused himself by finding stray golf balls. He delighted in time spent with his many grandchildren-playing cards, telling stories of farm life and Air Force service, singing, and playing harmonica alongside his musical sons.

Russ welcomed many beloved dogs into his life, including Lady, Buffy, and Dakota, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Russ will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering faith, deep love of family, generosity of spirit, and enduring sense of humor.

Russ is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 61 years, Ann Forsyth; his sons, John and his wife Jamie, Kevin (predeceased by his wife Trisha), and Paul and his wife Leighann; his cherished grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, Arick and his wife Cathryn, Fitzanthony ("Fitzy"), Zazzy, Lily, Coty, Ariella, Dainan ("Danny"), Max, Phineas, Luke, Aidan, Claire, Maggie, Olivia, Evan, and Owen; and his great-grandson, Bennett. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Kathy and Theresa Davitt of Worcester, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his ten sisters and brothers.

Russ will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services have been held.