Robert P. Fornshell
Robert P. Fornshell, MD, 96, of Ridgefield, longtime resident of Danbury, died peacefully on Thursday, February 10, 2022. He was the loving husband of Barbara (Salinger) Fornshell.
Dr. Fornshell was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 3, 1925; a son of the late Audrie May Pearce and Robert James Fornshell. Dr. Fornshell was a graduate of Western Reserve Academy, Harvard College (Class of '47) and Harvard University's School of Medicine (Class of '52). He also served as a medic with the 94th Infantry Division during World War II, winning a Bronze Star for heroism in 1945. After his graduation from medical school, Dr. Fornshell interned at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital, followed by residency in orthopedics at Massachusetts General Hospital. He entered private practice in Danbury in 1958, quickly becoming involved in the development and growth of Danbury Hospital, serving on the Hospital's Board of Directors, and chairing for many years the Orthopedic Staff, as well as numerous other committees. He retired from surgery in the late 1980s, but remained involved in medicine and with Danbury Hospital for many years.
Dr. Fornshell was an avid sportsman, pursuing skiing, sailing on Candlewood Lake, tennis and golf, while traveling widely with his family – Cape Cod, the Caribbean and a beloved horse ranch in Wyoming being favorite destinations. For many years, Dr. Fornshell also donated his time by serving as a consultant, teacher and surgeon in several countries, helping to train local physicians.
Dr. Fornshell is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara, their three sons: William Fornshell and his wife, Mary Jo; Robert Fornshell and his wife, Antoinette; and James Fornshell. Dr. Fornshell is also survived by his five grandchildren: Meghan, Matthew, Mary Kate, Emily, and Robert Pearce II, as well as a sister, Georgia Schultz, and several nieces and nephews. His sister, Audrie Jean Latowsky, predeceased him.
Throughout his long life, Dr. Fornshell was always grateful for the large measure of good luck he encountered, and because of that good fortune, never stopped trying to contribute to his community and to those institutions for which he cared.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Fornshell's memory may be made to Western Reserve Academy https://www.wra.net/giving Danbury Hospital Nuvance Health https://www.nuvancehealth.org/giving

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

Published by Danbury News Times & The Ridgefield Press from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fornshell

Sponsored by Kane Funeral Home - Ridgefield.

11 Entries

Marcy VanBezooijen

September 14, 2022

I have very vivid memories of Dr. Fornshell. He was very kind to my mother who worked for him, a well as myself. I recall sitting in his office on the floor on Osborne street as a young child reading his medical books. He would be smiling. So kind. Long before HIPPA. Hoping your photos an memories bring you comfort.

Robert Billings

April 30, 2022

Dear Rob, Will, Jim, and Family.
I just learned of your Dad's passing, I am so sorry.
Actually, I looked up your name, as I need medical attention for my knee.
I hope you are all doing well, time has passed by so quickly.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Robert Billings Wooster '77

Suzanne Patnode

April 18, 2022

To the family of Dr Fornshell. my deepest sympathies. I was in a terrible accident in the early 80s and it was Dr Fornshell that was on duty that night. I was only 22 years old and I had completely destroyed my hip my pelvis not to mention all the internal bleeding which the internist took care of. It was Dr Fornshell who pieced me back together and with a stern face. Later I would find he was the most caring, kind Dr I could have had. I was in traction for 3 months which Dr Fornshell visited me daily it seemed. Years later on his retirement he received word I would being having my hip replaced as he said it would be. A Dr Deveney who took his place would be performing the surgery. Dr Fornshell showed up in the operating room to see me off. I will always remember him as the
most kind and caring Doctor ever to grace my life. Rest in Peace Doctor Fornshell. Thank You for all you did for me.

Francine Silberman

February 15, 2022

My condolences to Mrs Fornshell, Will, Rob and Jim. Your father was such a kind and elegant man. I will always gratefully remember how much he helped me with my Mom when she broke her hip. My childhood was blessed having you all as neighbors. May the good Doc rest in eternal peace.

David Blansfield

February 14, 2022

Rest in peace, Dr. Fornshell. You´ve been a respected colleague of my father´s and a dear friend of the Blansfield family. To me, you were always kind and patient, allowing me to spend a lot of time at your home and to tag along with Rob, Will and Jim on ski vacations, boating outings, and even summer vacations. Adding a fourth boy to your activities - with a big dog and all the gear the trip required (this was before there were minivans) - must not have been easy for you and Mrs. Fornshell, but you never made anything look difficult. You were the definition of a "standup guy" - honest, straightforward, a man of the highest character. Thank you for being a role model for me. I am lucky to have had your influence and to be able to continue to call Rob my best friend. God bless the Fornshell family as they celebrate your life and carry forward your legacy.

Peter Van Syckle

February 14, 2022

We are so sorry to hear this. Dr. Fornshell was a remarkable physician and kind and caring man. We are all better people for having known him. Our thoughts are with the Fornshell family, and we celebrate a full life well lived.

Brigitte Gulliver

February 13, 2022

Will, Mary Jo, Rob, Antoinette and families, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Warm regards, Brigitte

Stan Kishner

February 12, 2022

I had the pleasure of knowing Bob in the Danbury Men's Club, the Twisters golf group, a monthly discussion group and even Barbara's women's club! What a gentlemen and friend he was. And his sense of humor was delightful. We will all miss him.

Pam Lehman

February 12, 2022

Always a gentleman and an amazing teacher!!! I had the great pleasure of working with and for this talented surgeon for several years. He will be missed but his legacy and years of service will live on! Thank you for always taking the time to share your knowledge!

Kevin McGinniss

February 12, 2022

Dr. Fornshell and Dr. Henry Blansfield saved my life over 45 years ago. I was in a near fatal car accident. The evening of the accident I was given my last rites and my parents were told I probably would not live through the night and if I did my left leg was so bad I'd never walk again. To the day he died Dr. Blansfield called me Miracle Man. Dr. Fornshell performed at what at that time was experimental surgery on my left leg. I literally owe my life to Dr. Blansfield and Dr. Fornshell may you both RIP. God Bless!

Carol Clarke

February 11, 2022

How could you not love Dr. Fornshell, i had the pleasure of working with and for him for many years. What a kind, lovable man, always had a smile on his face and was always so welcoming and truly happy to see you, no matter what your job was at Danbury Ortho! You were loved Dr. Fornshell!!!

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