Norman Forster

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Dr. Norman Herbert Forster, DDS, 88, of Bethesda, Maryland, beloved father of Seth (Debra), Adam (Miri), Todd (Nicole) and Heidi (Greg), cherished grandfather of Emily, Orli, Elie, Ari, Heath, Abby, Chase, Jason and Scott, passed away peacefully surrounded by his 4 children.

He is survived by his longtime companion Carol Hindin and his second wife, Lois Forster. He is predeceased by his first wife Isobel Kramen. He is also predeceased by his oldest brother Stanley (Dena), his twin brother Bill (Sarabess), and his sister Marie Ann.

Norm Forster was born in Washington DC on February 18, 1936 and was a lifelong resident of the Metropolitan Area. After graduating high school from St. Albans as a three-year letterman in basketball, baseball and football, he enlisted in the US Army and honorably served for 3 years. He attended Haverford College and Temple Dental School, both in Pennsylvania. At Haverford he played college baseball and wrote a popular bridge column for the school paper. He was offered a contract to play minor league baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization but declined in order to attend dental school.

Norm practiced dentistry in Washington DC for over 50 years and received recognition from Washingtonian Magazine as a Top Dentist in surveys by his peers and was recognized by patients in Checkbook Magazine. He donated countless hours of dental work to children through the Head Start Program and for his volunteer dental work for refugees, he was awarded the Albert E. Schweitzer Humanitarian Award.

Shortly after moving to Potomac, MD, Norm joined the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD), where he volunteered for 52 years as a firefighter, EMT, and ambulance driver, and served on their Board of Directors. He attended and led a local Tough Love chapter for many years, and he founded a local BILY chapter, both support groups for parents.

Norm Forster was known as kind, helpful, and giving to his fellow man and the community at large. He made hundreds of blood donations; and was a long time CPR instructor. He was a well-known joke and story-teller. He regularly attended his children and grandchildren’s sporting and other events. He also remained extremely close to a tight-knit group of friends from his high school fraternity for over 70 years.

His funeral included full ceremonial dress from the RVFD, and his body was transported to the burial site on a retired fire engine that Norm rode on to fight many fires. A US Army veteran played Taps.

Donations can be made in his memory to the RVFD at Donate to RVFD! - Rockville Volunteer Fire Department - Rockville, Maryland

https://rvfd.org/donate/