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Harold Forkas Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Forkas
43 Entries
Heidi Graham
November 20, 2009
Dear Marleen,
Harold was my Uncle and after he lost his brother Martin (my father) 30 years ago, I never heard from him. I loved Uncle Harold. I am so sorry for your loss. My mother passed last year and with both parents gone, it is a huge void in my life that I don't have contact with the Forkas family! With Deepest Sympathy, Heidi
joe almeraris
September 16, 2009
i worked for harold 45 years ago, great guy, rest in peace...joe
Rosemary Krieger
June 14, 2009
June 14, 2009
Dear Marleen,
There are not enough words to describe your Harold. He touched the hearts of everyone and he was so very special. Harold was very generous to all who needed help and support. He gave of himself with passion. He was a most unique gentleman. Harold had strength with you, his "Sweetheart" at his side. He was a gift to all of us who had the privilege to know him. Harold is missed by all of us and especially his Marleen. I remember his bear hugs were so sincere and his smiles were heartfelt. Ben remembers his humor that only Harold could convey and the confidential stories of the past. He was one in a million. Harold has left a lasting legacy and none of us will ever forget him.
Marleen, Ben and I send our thoughts and prayers to you during these difficult days.
Rosemary Krieger
June 12, 2009
Stan and I are going to miss Harold. His humor made us laugh, his advice always valuable, his generosity goes beyond and above. We will espeially remember our good time in Mexico and want you to know how sorry we are for your loss, but be grateful for the years that you had. Few have what you had together. Love, Connie and Stan
Brenda & Leo Coto
June 10, 2009
Marleen,
I remember Harold always smiling. Even when you knew he wasn't feeling well, the smile was there. What a beautiful man! The two of you together made such a wonderful couple. He will be missed but we will always have the beautiful memories Harold was a part of.
Rick Osburn
June 10, 2009
Marleen,
Elaine and I have many pleasant memories of the years we spent in Boca Raton and it is no surprise to us how many of the most wonderful involved you and Harold. Whenever we tell our friends here in Texas about some of the good times we had in South Florida, your names invariably come up. Harold was such a good friend and such an easy man with whom to talk. The two of you were such a dynamic pair. We have missed seeing you in the five years since we left, but still feel a warm connection to you and to our happy memories of Harold.
Thank you for being our friends and Elaine and I hold you and the family in our hearts.
Tina Valant-Siebelts
June 8, 2009
Dear Marleen & family ~ I am so sorry to hear that Harold passed away. I met you both when I was the director of marketing for the Boca Pops (many years ago).
You were both always so kind, positive and generous.
Our community greatly benefited (and will continue to do, so) from having you, and Harold as a part of it.
Marlene Smith
June 8, 2009
Marleen,
It was an honor to have met such an extraordinary man. Hold on to the beautiful memories you shared!
Betty Pepper
June 7, 2009
My lovely friend Marleen: I think of you every day and know your loss of Harold is immeasurable. I know it must be a great consolation to know he was so loved by so many. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched with his warm and generous personality. His smile amd his humor cannot be forgotten. I am extremely blessed to have been both your and Harold's friend - a very special gift.
Tanja Bibiano
June 6, 2009
Dearest Marleen,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. When I received the email I actually wanted to go up to FL to attend the memorial. Things here in Mexico right now are not so good so of course I was unable to...but I just wanted to make this quick entry to let you know how special I really think you both are. Harlod will be missed but certainly NOT forgotten. You are my favorite Mayan members and ones I am proud to consider as friends.
Hugs and Kisses and My DEEPEST sympathies,
John (Ron) Moore
June 5, 2009
June 5, 2009
Dear Marleen,
Judy and I offer our deepest sympathy on the loss of Harold. Throughout our years in working together I can now confess that Harold was one of my favorite Midas people. As you know he was passionate about everything, and when he called he often was very forceful. After we resolved whatever issue he called about on the telephone, it always ended with the two of us laughing and parting as good friends.
All of us at Midas respected Harold so much for he started from such a humble beginning but through extremely hard work and fundamental faith in all that surrounded him at Midas, he become one of the most successful franchisees in the company. He became a legend to all of us at Midas and left a positive mark on the Midas program that will endure for years and years.
We will miss him but never forget him.
With profound sympathy,
Ron Moore
james Santiago
June 5, 2009
Marleen,
My deepest condolences on your loss. I did not know Harold well but had the privilege of being with you both working on the Alumni Center. As he looked on that day at your home his eyes lit up whenever you spoke and he followed your every word. He was what we all want in a partner, to be the other half of their heart. So I googled him because I was told he was a success, someone very special in many ways and, because your special, I read every entry in this guest book to learn more about what he meant to his closest friends.
I only had a brief moment to feel his warmth or talk to him but after what I have learned of him I am reminded of something Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.... to leave the world a better place... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” They were right, he was a success.
Jackie Santoro
June 5, 2009
Dear Marleen,
I am sitting here thinking of Harold.....of our life growing up that he was so much a part of.... We called him "Uncle Heshy" and he and Sandy who we affectionately called " Uncle Sully" would come for all the holidays to our house to visit my grandmother... It was always a full day, starting with the appetizing that they brought and ending with grandma's potato kugel that was everyone's favorite. I remember the house filling up in a moment with my cousins and the noise level rising! In this family, yelling was the normal way to talk!
The years went by and Harold began to prosper in his business... and he was always generous.... always happy to help someone who needed it.
The memory that I have that has stayed with me all these years and that I treasure in my heart is the time I needed help to go to graduate school.
My parents couldn't afford to send me and I didn't have enough money to think about it. I decided to ask my uncle if he would help me. My parents didn't want me to... they didn't want to burden him.... I decided to speak to him privately anyway.
I'll never forget that day when we walked and talked and when he said he would help me, tears welled up in his eyes and he fought back crying. He was the one giving the money, but it was he who was moved to tears, not me! I saw in that instant something deep within him. He was so happy that he could help- I am sure he remembered at that moment how poor they were growing up and how he wasn't able to go to college and the thrill for him to be able to be the reason that I could go. At that moment, I looked at him and loved him and that event has never left my heart.
The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver.... that was Harold. It was his joy to give. It was a blessing in his life. May God remember him and his generosity of heart......
Although we didn't see him as much these last years, he has remained big in our hearts. And he always will.
We hope you will find comfort in these days of mourning. Love,
Jackie
Laura Prego-Ortiz
June 4, 2009
Marleen,
Harold was a fun-loving and happy man, thanks to you.
Don't be sad that you lost him; be glad that you had him so long!
Miriam Conceicao
June 4, 2009
Dear Marleen,
I'm very sorry for your loss, may the memories of love and happiness shared comfort you in your sorrow.
June 4, 2009
Dear Mrs Forkas, my heart aches for you, remenber you're NEVER alone, love Connie
Gayle Coleman Rader
June 4, 2009
What a privilege it has been to have had Harold in our family's lives. He was the type of person we all aspire to be.
Dr.Joseph E. Ferrer
June 4, 2009
Dear Mom
If God had a refrigerator, Dad's picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, Dad's photo would be in it.
He will send you flowers every spring.
He will send you a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He listens.
God can live anywhere in the universe, but ... He chose your heart.
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without
rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and
light for the way.
"Go Panthers"
June 4, 2009
Mitchell Zimmerman
June 4, 2009
"It's hard to put into words "
We have all used this simple cliche'on many occasions.
When looking for the words for an appropriate message on here, the first that come to mind are that simple cliche'
The passing of Harold ( Grandpa ) is really hard to put into words. A man like him does not really pass away. A man like him is always here and very much a part of every person he touched along the way. Ninety years of touching people. That's a lot of touching and he loved it all. A man like him is still in his community, still in his home, still enjoying every meal and still riding shotgun in the golf cart. A man like him is still giving more than taking, be it money or advice. A man like him is still rooting for his favorite teams and letting them know when they are playing "lousy". He is in front of the TV, speedwatching a taped game. He is in the ballpark or arena, consumed and focused. The ultimate fan of sport. The unmatched fan of life. Heaven may think they have a new addition but what they might not realize is that down here, Harold had a "no trade" contract.
He lives forever !
Mitchell
June 4, 2009
Dear Marleen,
Harold always kept us laughing. I often remarked that it was unbelievable that one person could remember so many funny stories that made us all chuckle. We really loved him; his sense of humor, his graciousness, his down-to-earth, honest-to-goodness friendship. He is truly missed. Luv,
Halli & Lou Moore
May 30, 2009
It has been over a month since my father passed away, and I still cannot believe he is not here for me to hear his voice say "Hi Jan, what's happening, how's Jeni?" He is in my head all the time, visits me in my dreams when I sleep. I miss you Dad. I just don't feel as safe and secure.I miss asking your opinions and thoughts on important issues and when I need some serious good advice. You always had the answers. Love Jan
May 28, 2009
Dear Marleen,
That beautiful photo of you and Harold that hangs so regally in the foyer of the Alumni Center is such a great reminder of your eternal love for each other and for life. It is my favorite thing to do when I enter the building is to stare and gaze at that photo, and I think of all the happy times that you and he had shared over the years. Thank you for sharing him with us, at the University and we share in sympathy at this time, we will be here for you as time goes on. Always needing to hear more stories about him and his worldly ways.
Most Compassionately,
May Ellen Schad BFA '89
FAUNAA Board Member
stacey kerr
May 16, 2009
Marleen,
I am so sorry to learn of Harold's passing. Just this week, I was sharing a story with new friends on how we double dated on my 2nd date with Marc at the Cowboy Ball. I will never forget what a great man and friend he was.
I am richer for having known him.
Stacey Kerr Kirschenbaum
Randi
May 16, 2009
As the days fly by there are often times when I feel my grandfather with me. He was such a huge and compelling presence that it seems foolish to believe that he could just be gone. Still there are times when I miss his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, the embrace of his arms. I wonder who he's keeping company with in heaven. His dog Sheppy, his mother and father, Aunt Rosalyn, Cousin Ronnie, Shommy, Uncle Martin, Grandma Bronx, Big Randy? I wonder if he walked in with a huge bag of bagels, lox, scallion cream cheese cheese, beefsteak tomatos, red onions and a big smile? One thing is for sure, heaven just got a whole lot brighter!
Dr. Ernest Orphanos
May 13, 2009
To my patient but more importantly my friend, my staff and I will miss you terribly! PS - i forgot to tell you that you are not 9/78 but a perfect 10!
Respectfully,
Dr. Ernest Orphanos and staff
Gutterman Warheit Memorial Chapel
April 26, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
GIUSEPPE SQUILLANTE
April 23, 2009
cara jennyfer ti siamo vicini in questo momento triste.e condividiamo il tuo dolore. con grande affetto GIUSEPPE PATRIZIA E TUTTO IL RICHARD CAFE'
Giacomo Morra
April 23, 2009
Dear Janice,Jennifer and Sal,
non conoscevo il Sig.Forkas direttamente,ma Jennifer lo amava tanto e mi ha parlato tanto di lui e della sua incredibile vita e so' che è stato un uomo eccezionale e di grandi valori.
Partecipo con grande affetto al vostro dolore unitamente alla mia famiglia.
Giacomo,Carlo,Rosy,Manuela e Alessandro Morra
Debbie Lesing
April 22, 2009
Dear Marleen,
We all loved Harold so much with his great smile and enthusiasm everytime we saw him. He is leaving behind a great legacy of giving and sharing with this Boca Raton Community. I know how proud you were to be his wife. We extend our condolences and blessings for you and his family at this time. You are a member of our Family in Boca Raton.
Many Blessings,
Debbie and Micahel Leising
Boca Raton, FL
Rena Hodes (Weinrib)
April 22, 2009
Dear Marleen, Anat and I were deeply saddened to hear that Heshey had died.
Please accept our condolences and, as we say in Hebrew, " May you not know any more sorrow." Love from Rena and Anat (Israel)
Jennifer Gilbert
April 22, 2009
Grampa,
I will miss you so much. You have been the most incredible person I have ever met and will never forget everything you have done for our family and your community. You have inspired me reach my full potential and given me all the opportunities to do so. Your love and support, advice and caring has meant the world to me. I love you so much and know that you will always be with me. Nana, thank you for loving my Grampa the way you did. I know he loved you with all of his heart. Thank you for everything.
I love you up to the SKY!!
Janice Gilbert
April 22, 2009
Marleem/Nana, Thank you for taking such good care of Dad/Grampa. You made his life so wonderful. He called you his" sweetheart," his "angel". I know you will miss him terribly. I hope you know you always have us. We loved him so much. He was such an amazing man, incredible father and fantastic grandfather. The world will definitely be at a loss without him. I do believe he will be here for us and with us forever. Such a man cannot be gone in our lives, even in death.He was the head of our family, our rock. I am confident that you wll continue to honor the values he held most dear... His family as well as his community. Lots of love, Janice and family.
Murray Rivette
April 22, 2009
I remember how generous Mr. and Mrs. Forkas were to Little Palm Family Theatre of Boca Raton. These wonderful people kept us going in difficult times, and will never be forgotten. We will miss you.
Romayne Berry
April 22, 2009
Dear Marleen - - Among your Family and Friends and extended FAU Family - - we share your sadness. Harold made a difference in our lives and although we will miss his giant smile - - we are Blessed that you remain part of our world. Harold will NOT be forgotten as we embrace you for the love and caring you and Harold have provided FAU. Fondly, Romayne
Penny Sugar
April 21, 2009
Dear Marleen,
I am so sorry to learn of Harold's passing. What a fine man, and generous soul he was, and what a great couple who knew how to live, love and make the most out of their time together. I am sure you have some wonderful memories. May they be of comfort to you always.
Rick Smith
April 21, 2009
He has left a lasting impression on a lot of people. When I met him at Homecoming, I said to him and Marleen: "Thanks for giving me a place to call home when I come back to visit FAU. The alumni center is my home."
But his generosity extended past his gift to the alumni center. He was a genuinely nice person who attended several FAU events each year and supported all areas of the university with his excitement and his love.
My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Rick "$mitty" Smith '07
San Antonio, Texas
MacKenzie Ross-Fidler
April 21, 2009
Marleen and Family,
My heart is saddened by the news of Harold's passing. May memories of his amazing sense of humor bring you all comfort, joy and peace. The legacy of this generous man will remain forever in the hearts of we the grateful alums- who were blessed to know him.
April 21, 2009
I am so sorry Marleen - you both have given so much to all us. I am very grateful I met Harold and although we all will remember much about him, who could forget the speech he gave at the opening of the Alumni Center!
John Scannell, BBA '92
FAUNAA Board Member
Past-President
Lynn Laurenti
April 21, 2009
As one of FAU's first alums, I'd like to offer sincere thanks to Harold and Marleen Forkas for giving my university the great gift of a beautiful alumni center. Mr. Forkas was a wonderful, generous man whose legacy will live on forever at FAU.
Robert & Leonore Kast
April 21, 2009
Mom and I were very sorry to hear about your loss. You and Harold were always the most vibrant and colorful people- at FAU events, charity events, Caldwell Theater Openings, Boca Raton Museum events, hockey games, etc.
Harold and your passion and gift for life were always uplifting and inspirational to me.
Mom and I send our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hopefully Harold is on the Golf Course in Heaven trying for another hole in one.
April 21, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
COL-e
(artist)
Jose E. FAU Student
April 21, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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