William Allen "Bill" Forster

William Allen "Bill" Forster obituary

William Allen "Bill" Forster

William Forster Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gary Panoch Funeral Home & Cremations on Feb. 4, 2026.
William Allen Forster born on December 21, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee. Bill was the eldest of five children to the late Regina Penner and Milton Forster. After attending Frederick's Military Academy and serving in the Coast Guard Reserve, Bill set his sights on winning the heart of Marcy Jacobs, whom he adored from the age of thirteen. They married in 1968 and together they raised three daughters.

Bill began his professional career as a sales manager where he built lasting relationships with buyers from major retail chains nationwide. Years later, he partnered with a close friend to develop an importing program that took him across the globe armed with little more than a legal pad and an unwavering confidence in his negotiation skills. Guided by optimism, grit, and a belief that anything was possible, Bill lived by the philosophy, "If you can dream it, you can do it."

A devoted community leader, Bill served as the president of B'nai Torah Congregation for two terms. Each Saturday morning, he welcomed members with a heartfelt, "Shalom Y'All". He took great joy in forming friendships with cantors and often matched them with open positions in both the Reform and Conservative movements.

Bill's commitment to philanthropy was central to his life. With Marcy, he established a food pantry in Boca Raton for economically vulnerable members in the community, provided chickens for Shabbat to senior citizens, donated iPads and wheelchairs to children with disabilities, and raised funds to support the Neve Michael Children's Village in Israel. In honor of their late grandson, they funded afterschool programs and created a free children's shoe store at the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach to service underserved children, which continues to this day. Bill also authored five books, including two children's books to support his Chicken for Shabbat initiative.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Marcy; his three daughters and son-in-laws, Erin Forster & Paul Krasker, Jamie & Marc Falkin, and Brooke & Matthew Kochman; and his eight grandchildren Jacob, Gavin & Sophie Mooallem, Sarah, Max & Leo Falkin, and Maggie & Julia Kochman. He is also survived by his devoted sister and brother-in-law, Sande & Danny Keil. May William Forster's memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration to all whose lives were enriched by his love, generosity, kindness, and enduring good humor.

The family requests that any donations be made to support Justin's Shoe Store at The Caridad Center.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

CARIDAD CENTER- JUSTIN'S SHOE STORE

8645 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach 33472 / 561-737-6336

Justin's Shoe Store, a new initiative made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Bill Forster and the Forster Foundation. A new chapter in Caridad Center's ongoing mission to support children and families in need by providing free, quality footwear to children served by the clinic.

"Making sure children have proper shoes may seem like a small gesture, but it has a profound impact on their well-being, self-esteem, and ability to participate fully in their daily lives," said Bill Forster.
The opening of Justin's Shoe Store aligns with Caridad Center's commitment to addressing not only the health needs but also the broader social and material needs of Palm Beach County's most vulnerable children and families.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to:
Kronish Funeral Services, 9070 Kimberly Blvd., #22, Boca Raton, FL 33434

O: 561-717-2874 https://kronishfuneral.com

CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE

CLICK HERE to donate to JUSTIN'S SHOE STORE

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Forster's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign William Forster's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?