Robert Forshay (“Bob”) of Mullica Hill, NJ, formerly of Garden City, NY, and Slingerlands, NY, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Friday, February 8, 2019, with his loving family at his side. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 5, 1920, the eldest son of Ruth (Field) and Ralph Forshay. Bob and his loving wife Cap (Catherine A. Porrier) were happily married for 70+ years. Bob grew up in Hempstead, Long Island, NY, and graduated from the Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ, in 1938, and subsequently earned a degree in Business Administration from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, in 1942. In 1943 Bob enlisted in the US Army where he rose to the rank of Captain, commanding an anti-aircraft battery in Europe. He received “one of the greatest awards a soldier can earn” with a commendation for “conspicuous bravery” from Lt. General George S. Patton, Commanding General of the Third US Army, for his Battery’s “heroic performance” in destroying 14 enemy fighter planes attacking the Ninth Air Force fighter strip in France early New Year’s Day in 1945. After World War II he worked alongside his brother, Dick, in Forshay Brothers, an automotive parts business in New York City, before becoming Purchasing Director for Avis Rent-a-Car for many years. Bob and Cap moved to Garden City in 1957 where they lived for more than fifty years. They loved Garden City—with access to so many beloved friends and their favorite activities. He was a long-time active member of the Garden City Casino, the Cherry Valley Club, the GC Men’s Association, and Lawrence Beach Club.

Bob was a quiet and unassuming gentleman, devoted to his wife Cap, his family, and friends. A man of strong values who displayed kindness, an even temperament, and never raised his voice. He loved all sports, and was particularly good at racquet sports, especially tennis and ping pong. He was happiest on the tennis court slicing a backhand and covering most of the court, with his partner hugging the net. Some say the bravest thing he ever did was play mixed doubles with Cap.

Bob’s legacy and memory will live on in his four children, Robert F. Forshay, Jr. (Janie), Ann F. Breaznell (Gene), Peter H. Forshay (Christy) and John G. Forshay (Kim); his ten grandchildren, Chris Forshay (Emily), Beth F. Coggins (Steven), Peter Forshay, Susan B. Zimber (Josh), Katherine Forshay (Neil), Laura Forshay, Betsy B. MacMaster (Ian), Danielle Forshay (Nick), Amy Forshay, and Bradley Forshay; and his five great-grandchildren, Marley, Miles and Ellis Forshay, Gavin Zimber, and Nathaniel Toomey.

We will all miss him terribly but know that his devoted wife, Cap, is welcoming him with open arms. His loving family will always cherish his memory as our strong, dedicated patriarch. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.