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BORN
1933
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
977 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, California
Gerald Forbes Obituary
December 3, 1933 - April 11, 2018
Gerald Thomas Forbes (Jerry) died peacefully at home in San Mateo on April 11th surrounded by family. Jerry was born in 1933 in Palo Alto. He attended Mount Carmel Elementary School, Serra High School, and College of San Mateo. While serving in the Army he returned home and married Rose Ellen McCormick, the love of his life. They were married for 55 years, lived in San Mateo and raised six children. He worked for the phone company for 39 years. Jerry loved westerns, sports, fishing, eating ice cream, and spending time with his large, loud, loving family. Jerry touched many lives with his volunteering and participating with Mission Hospice, Cursillo, Kairos, Samaritan House and the St. Bart's prayer group.Jerry will be greatly missed by his six children: Mike (Kathy), Pat (Susan), Colleen, KJ (Janis), Kathy (Lee), Molly (Ben); his two brothers-in-law: Monsignor Mickey McCormick, Father Kieran McCormick; and his twelve grandchildren: Rachel, Gaby, Ryan, Emily, Bridgette (Brandon), Kate, Evan, Sally, Mary, Matt, Mickey, and JP. He showed his kids anything was possible, although, we all know the level of his banjo playing. Jerry found the good in everything and everyone and made the world a better place with his kindness and positive attitude. He believed he could do anything and in his kid's eyes, he could.
Visitation begins at 6pm followed by a Vigil at 7pm on Thursday, April 19th at Sneider & Sullivan & O'Connell's, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday, April 20th at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Hospice, Samaritan House or your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Forbes
Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Your God Daughter, Sue Ann
February 3, 2025
I Love You All So Sooooooo Much ! ! And If Not For The Love & Patience & Authenticity of Rosie and Jerry (whom I was Blessed to have as God Parents & fondly referred to as Aunt Rosie n Uncle Jer) I Don't Know Where I'd Be ! ! But I Do Know That I Have Never Met A More Genuine, Just Awesome Pair Than Uncle Jer & His Wild Irish Rose Their Beautiful Legacy of Those 6 Kids and 12 Grandkids . . . Thank You From The Depths Of My Heart For The Blessing of Being A Small Part
Nadine Condon
April 20, 2018
Jerry was a special guy and loved by many. May God bless him. Condolences to his extended family.
Gary Gretter
April 20, 2018
I had the pleasure of working with Jerry at the phone company. He would always have me doubled over in laughter when we were together. His retirement party at the Villa was one for the ages. And his story of the guy looking for monkeys in his yard will never be forgotten. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who had the honor of meeting him. Be at peace, my friend.
Jack Pastor
April 20, 2018
Our Beloved Jerry, thank you for your presence, love and HUGS on the many Men's Cursillo teams that we served together on. Your countless memories will be held close to all our hearts. Above all, thanks for your support and contributions to the "Tee It Up for Christ" Golf Fundraisers. These were fun times. Until we meet again Jerry...God Bless your soul.
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April 19, 2018
My condolences to the Forbes family. Jerry was an amazing, wonderful man -- always made whoever he was talking to feel like the most special person in the world. I'll always be grateful for his and Rosie's joyful friendship to my parents.
xoxo Monica (Murphy) Alatorre
April 17, 2018
My sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May all your memories bring you comfort. And may the God of hope continue to refresh you. Matthew 11:29
Gina
Rose Thompson
April 16, 2018
Jerry was a very special man, always could make you smile. Worked with him in San Mateo on 19th Ave. He called me his other Rose. He had a heart of gold. Heaven has received a very special angel. May God grant you all peace and comfort in the days to come. God Bless you all.
Larry Jankowski
April 16, 2018
We'll miss you Jerry,
ST. Bart's men's group will not be the same here on earth without you.
Keeping you and your family & friends in our prayers now that you moved onto the 5th Day.
May God always be glad you came home (likely without the banjo . . )!
All the best,
From the frozen tundra.
Suzie Michelin
April 15, 2018
Uncle Jerry you are so so loved & will be so so missed! I love you with all of my heart I'm sorry i never made it by to see you again ... My loss for sure! Give my dad & Rosie my love and to all the kids & grandkids, Mickey & Kieren. .. My heart breaks for you all my prayers, heart, & thoughts are with you all!
Gail Swartzendruber
April 15, 2018
I asked K.J. recently how Jerry was doing. KJ said he was on hospice and not really getting up much. He said that when he last visited his dad, he was in a recliner, curled up on his side with a western on the TV. When KJ asked how he was doing, Jerry responded "It doesn't get any better than this, KJ." No sarcasm; he was serious! Jerry was not a complainer and had such a loving and positive disposition. We could all learn from this delightful man. God speed, Jerry. Tell my pops & all the others who have started their next chapters, we send our regards. Love to all the Forbes at this difficult time.
Bernie & Chris Pulone
April 14, 2018
Love and prayers to the Forbes cousins. We were all very fortunate to have Jerry in our lives. I have no doubt he is catching up with your mom, my dad, our grandparents, and the aunts, uncles and friends who headed to Heaven before him. Thinking of you all.
Matt and Sue Young
April 14, 2018
Our hearts are broken for all of you~~ truly a magnificent man in every way!! His kindness, warmth and huge love he shared with all was amazing ~~ a precious gift he was to all who knew him!! Now holding hands with your mom again ... makes us smile!! Xoxo
Susan Forbes
April 14, 2018
There are not enough words that can adequately describe what an extraordinary man Jerry was, but I will try. Eternally upbeat with a genuine love for his family, friends, strangers, and ice cream is a start. His smile lit up a room and laughter always followed. It was awe inspiring to see him connect with virtually everyone he came in contact. His kidding made you laugh and feel special at the same time. I marvel at how we were ALWAYS excited when he came to visit, because he brought with him such joy and laughter. The hole he leaves is huge. How lucky I feel to have had such an incredible father-in-law. Love you papa, even if you do cheat at cards.
Tom Marriscolo
April 12, 2018
May he Rest In Peace with the Lord. He will never be forgotten and will be truly missed by all that had the pleasure of his friendship.
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Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
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