SOUTHINGTON — George Richard Forrest Jr. passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
George was born May 1, 1934, in Leavittsburg, the son of George Richard and Mary Geraldine Forrest (McCormick).
George was born and raised in Leavittsburg, with his parents and two sisters Carolyn (Lander) and Geraldine (Gintert). He graduated from Leavittsburg High School in 1952, where he was a Boys State delegate. Upon his graduation, George began working full time, while attending Youngstown State University at night. Eight years later, with three children in the audience, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. George worked for 25 years at Terex in Hudson as the personnel director. He transferred to GM Lordstown in 1980 and led its safety and labor relations departments, before retiring at age 52.
On Feb. 11, 1956, he married his sweetheart, Bonnie Lee Honeycutt, at St. Mary Church in Warren. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in February 2021. Bonnie and George resided in Southington for the entirety of their married life and had three children, two sons, George III and Michael, and a daughter, Amy.
George was active in Southington’s youth sports organizations and was one of the founding members of the Little Wildcats Youth Football League in Southington. George was passionate about hunting and fishing throughout his life. He shared this passion with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, teaching them all how to hunt and fish. He loved his hunting dogs and taking them to field trials, which led to his involvement with the Trumbull-Champion Field Trial Association. After his retirement, he and Bonnie traveled the country extensively in their conversion van, seeing the lower 48 along the way. Later in life, they spent their winters in Labelle, Fla., with many of the same kids he grew up with in Leavittsburg.
George was very involved in the lives of his four grandkids and six great-grandkids, Tatum, Kellan, Kennedy, Jackson, Jameson George and Bailey. They affectionately called him Pops or G-Pa, and he was ever-present in all of their lives. He rarely missed a softball, soccer or basketball game, a graduation, a school event and never, ever missed a birthday. He was their biggest fan throughout their lives and endlessly supportive. G-Pa told the best jokes, made everyone laugh and would drop everything to help someone in the family. Whether it was moving one of his grandkids to and from Ohio State or helping to build a goat pen, he was always there to help.
George leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Sean Burke of Howland; his grandson, Michael Forrest Jr. and wife, Melissa of London, Ohio; and his three granddaughters, Tiffany and Jim Ciletti of New Albany, Kellie and Ryan Witkoski of Howland and Bethany and Michael Thrasher of Westlake; as well as his six great-grandkids. He also leaves behind a sister, Geraldine and Don Gintert of Howland; and many nieces and nephews.
Sadly, George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie and their two beautiful sons, Georgie and Mike, who were taken too soon. He missed them tremendously, and George’s family takes great comfort knowing that he has been reunited with his wife and boys. He was also greeted by his sister, Carolyn; as well as his parents.
The family will be holding a private memorial service to honor George’s life.
Caring and professional arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.
(special notice)
