Rudolph Joseph Forte

Rudy was born on October 6, 1936 in Newark, NJ. He was married to Joyce on September 21, 1957. They were married 57 years before Joyce passed in 2014.

Rudy was a devoted husband, father, PopPop and Great PopPop. Family was everything to him and he was very proud of each one. He brought love and laughter to their lives every day.

He developed an interest in fabrics while helping in his father’s interior decorating shop. His first job was at Bamberger’s in NJ. His strong people skills led to a career in sales and a position at Decorator Industries. As a leading member of their sales force, Rudy accepted the challenge of opening a new territory in the Midwest and the family re-located to Ohio in 1970.

One of Rudy’s passions was coaching his children and grandchildren. His love of the game, competitive nature, and strong desire to win brought out the best in his players. His players respected and admired him. Long standing friendships were established with both players and their families.

Rudy lived life to the fullest, never giving in to his age. He was a kid at heart and that is how he embraced life. Rudy never slowed down. His job at Slats provided an opportunity to interact with people which he enjoyed thoroughly.

He enjoyed traveling with family and friends. His leisure time was spent playing cards, participating in sporting events or watching them, (especially the UC Bearcats), and casino nights. Horse racing was a favorite past time.

Rudy loved keeping up with his grandchildren. He was an integral part of their lives and each one thought of him as their best friend. Times shared at Fairfield Pizza and Graeter’s ice cream with his kids and grandkids were special for one and all.

He was very proud of his Italian heritage and Rudy liked to say…there are two kinds of people in this world, Italians and those who want to be.

The void he left will never be filled, but the love, laughter, and memories he gave will always be in our hearts.

Rudy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce (Dunsmoor) Forte, his dog, Ginger, his parents Angelina and Peter Forte. His siblings, Joseph Forte, Louise DiNicolas, Peter Forte, and brother in law Frank Falcone.

He is survived by his loving children, Janet (Jeff) Rickert, Rudy (LeAnn) Forte, Linda (Mike) Riley, Bobby (Allie) Forte.

Grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alyssa) Rickert, Justin (Lindsay Brill) Rickert, Jenna Rickert, Jonny Rickert, Rudy Forte, Jordy Forte, Brooke Riley, Mikey Riley, and Anthony Forte.

Great grandchildren, Ariana Rickert, Alana Rickert, Arabella Rickert, and Noah Brill Rickert.

His sisters, Josephine Tracy, Lee Falcone, Anna Forte, and sister in law Lynn Forte.

Along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

A private service will be held for immediate family. In his memory a Celebration of Life is planned and will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at the Mulhauser Barn in West Chester from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you plan to attend, RSVP to Janet Rickert, Linda Riley, Rudy Forte, or Bobby Forte.

In lieu of flowers we are asking any donations to be made to the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 or Animal Friends Humane Society at 1820 Princeton Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011.