Robert Marks "Mark" Forssell

Robert Marks "Mark" Forssell, 92, of Savannah, Georgia, died on May 15, 2025, at home surrounded by his children. 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, where he developed 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. He received multiple awards, including 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.

In 1954, Mark's wise mother encouraged him to give a young woman from their town, Shirley DeLyne, a ride back to Brown as it was only a minor detour for him. This orchestrated encounter led to a 67-year marriage in 1956, grounded in faith and a relationship to which we should all aspire. As their three children grew up in McLean, VA, Mark and Shirley were immersed in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and their church youth group. In these leadership roles, Mark impacted the lives of dozens of young men and women. He organized many camping, canoeing, hiking, and sailing trips around the country and to the Virgin Islands. His impact on these now 60+ year olds cannot be overstated.

After retiring from the government in 1988, and following an extensive evaluation of retirement locations using a complex spreadsheet, the Forssells moved to The Landings in Savannah, GA. After consulting for two years, Mark then failed at retirement and 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 remained retired, fully embracing the lifestyle promised at The Landings. 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.

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.

Mark was a lifelong musician, starting with piano lessons at around 6 years old and continuing throughout his life. He added percussion instruments, trombone, string bass, and sang in many church choirs. He was able to play his beloved piano (as well as golf) until the week before he died.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Shirley), and brother (Alan). He is survived by his three children Stephen Forssell (Jeremy Garcon), Linda Wells (Doug), and Roberta "Bobbie" Textor (Jerry), and four grandchildren, Sierra and Savannah Wells, and Carl and Paul Textor.