Thomas W. Forness, 82

Wellsville, NY - Thomas W. Forness, 82, of Proctor Road, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Highland Park Rehab and Nursing Center after a long illness. He was born in Olean on September 12, 1938 the son of the late Leo E. and Marie (Hassett) Forness. On October 17, 1959 in Portville he married his wife of sixty-one years, the former Marilyn K. Smith, who survives.

Tom was raised in Allegany and was a  1956 graduate of Allegany Central Schools, where he was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1956 – 1964. He was first employed by Wirthmore Feed Co, until he started his career with the Wellsville Police Department, as a Patrolman from 1971 – 1989, and a Dispatcher from 1970 until 2000. Additionally he was an Agent for the Prudential Insurance Company in Wellsville for 25 years. Tom later worked for Arnoys & Dye, and Carquest until February of 2020. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Dyke Street Engine Co. #2, and the Wellsville Country Club - where he was an avid golfer. He was a lifelong fan of all sports, from the local high school level to the professionals, especially the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. 

He is survived by: his wife, Marilyn; three children, Christopher J. (Jamie) Forness of Wellsville, Kelly Goodridge of Wellsville, and Lisa Forness of Whitesville; a daughter-in-law, Kim Forness of Troy, Ohio; twelve grandchildren, Katelyn (Cory) Waters, Joshua (Courtney Buentello) Hanchett, Matthew Forness, Megan (Kade Hanchett) Goodridge, Courtney (C.J. Knight) Ainsworth, Kendra (Jerrod Gullett) Forness, Thomas W. Forness II, Gabrielle Forness, Grace Forness, Serena Ainsworth, Brennan Forness, and Camron Lyons; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Edward Forness and Ray Forness; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his Father Leo, his mother, Marie Rose, a son, Patrick Forness; a granddaughter, Jessica Hanchett; two sisters, Patricia Wilber, and Ann Pezzimenti 

A private graveside service with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A public celebration is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, Allegany County Cancer Services, or the Dyke Street Engine Co. # 2. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.