Robert Marks "Mark" Forssell

1933 - 2025

Robert Marks "Mark" Forssell, 92, of Savannah, Georgia, died on May 15, 2025, at home. He was born to Alfred Gustav and Gertrude (Trudy) Marks Forssell on March 1, 1933, and was raised in Baldwinsville, New York. Mark graduated from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in 1955. He worked with the Naval Reactors program for 33 years, including four years in the Navy, developing nuclear power for submarines. Early in his career, he was assigned for four years to oversee the safety of the operation of the first nuclear power electrical generating power station in America. Awards included the rank of Distinguished Executive in the Senior Executive Service, personally presented by President Reagan, and the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the Navy.

After retiring from the government in 1988, the Forssells moved to Savannah, GA, where Mark first consulted for two years. He then spent five years as a Senior Vice President at General Atomics in San Diego, CA, directing the design of an advanced nuclear power plant. He finally retired in 1995 and succeeded this time!

In 1956, Mark married Shirley DeLyne, also a native of Baldwinsville. As their three children grew up in McLean, VA, Mark and Shirley were immersed in scouting, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and their church youth group. Mark was a lifelong musician, beginning with piano lessons at about 6 years old and continuing the rest of his life. He added percussion instruments, trombone, string bass, and sang in many church choirs.

Mark volunteered at his local Episcopal Churches in McLean and Savannah and served on several Diocesan commissions. He also served seven years in Savannah as treasurer and board member for the Interfaith Hospitality Network (now Family Promise). This led to chairing a $900,000 capital campaign for a day center dedicated to Mark.

In retirement, Mark and Shirley enjoyed golf (Mark achieved a hole-in-one and won a golf tournament at the Landings), RV trips throughout the country (Shirley vetoed the tent), sailing on their 30-foot sloop in the Savannah area and up to coastal waterways, and cruising on eleven ships.