Thomas Forte Sr.

Our beloved Thomas Eugene Forte, Sr. (77) was called home on December 30, 2025, to be with his Lord and Savior. Born to his cherished parents Evans J. Forte and Mary M. Jones Forte, Thomas was born and raised in Bottom Creek, WV, before moving to Hartford, CT, in 1954. Thomas was educated in the Hartford Public School System. Seeking a greater purpose for his life, he joined the United States Army in 1966. He trained with the Air Defense Missile Crewman (HAWK) division and other units, and he served honorably in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1975. Following his military service, Thomas worked various over-the-road trucking jobs for more than 40 years and later retired from Balf/Tilcon Construction Company. Thomas was full of life, fun to be around, and had a passion for family gatherings, fishing, and watching westerns. He is survived by his children, Thomas E. Forte Jr. (Ami Lee Coladonato) and Tiffany M. Forte, both of Hartford, CT; his stepchildren, De'Larno A. Ceasar, Walter E. Robinson, and Aishah R. Ceasar of Charlotte, NC, and Josepheny V. Robinson and Marcel Baldwin of Hartford, CT; and his grandchildren Aryanna Forte, Antwan Simon, Shantel Simon, Ashanti Simon, and Aron Simon, all of Hartford, CT. He also leaves behind his step-grandchildren Jaquan A. Lumpkin, Jimieshah Bryan, Xavion McIntyre, Clayton H. Waugh Jr., Seven B. Robinson, Erin Maylor, and Ta'Mel Robinson, all of Hartford, CT; his mother-in-law Roberta Ledbetter; his three brothers Donnell E. Forte, Ronald E. Forte, and Timothy E. Forte Sr. (Patria Forte), all of Hartford, CT; and three sisters Yvonne E. Forte, Brenda C. Forte, and Linda L. Forte, all of Hartford, CT. He is also survived by an additional sister-in-law, Patty Ann J. Forte of Hartford, CT; a special niece Corrine Forte of Hartford, CT; special cousins Leatrice Wallington of Mt. Vernon, NY, Gloria Ford of Manhattan, NY, and Semere Parker of Cleveland, OH; and the family matriarch Arnetta Wallington of Atlanta, GA. Thomas also leaves behind two godsons, Desie Nesmond Jr. and Tracy Nesmond, both of Hartford, CT; his most "outstanding" and "dedicated" friends Freddie Williams, Alphonso Morris, and Desie Nesmond Sr., all of Hartford, CT; and close friends Roberta Stephens, Lyn Jones, and Sue Register, along with three generations of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends who were blessed to have known him. Thomas was predeceased by his wife Doris Ledbetter Forte Banks; his son Harold Simon; two stepsons Erl'Rolone D. Ceasar and Shavoka N. Ceasar; three brothers James Forte, Evans J. Forte Jr., and Daniel Forte I; two sisters Edith Forte and Deborah A. Forte; and his cousin Clarence D. Parker.