Charles Forish

A Wonderful Man
Charles Forish, 63, of Oxford

Through the grace of our Lord, Charlie peacefully entered eternal life on Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Waterbury Hospital with the help and support of his loving wife.  

Forty-four years ago, Charlie married his high school sweetheart and his best friend, Theresa Deegan Forish, and they raised their two sons, John and Charles (Chuck), to be exceptional young men.  Charlie was also a devoted, caring son to his mom, Harriett and dad, Charlie, Sr. until his passing in 2016, and for more than 10 years prior to her journey into eternal life he ensured that his beloved godmother, Aunt Mary received the best possible elder care.  Charlie was born on September 16, 1956, and was a life-long resident of the Borough of Naugatuck, until moving to Oxford last year. 

Charlie’s greatest joys in life were his family and friends, each of which were blessed to be the recipients of his extraordinary kindness, which knew no bounds.  Over the years, Charlie and Theresa welcomed family and friends into their home for holidays, birthdays, graduations and backyard barbeques.  While his cooking and grilling were always a big hit the thing that made these cherished occasions special was Charlie’s good-natured disposition.  Everyone thought he was a “great guy,” and who better to attest to this fact then his grandson Sloan.  Charlie took great pleasure in making sure that Sloan safely boarded the school bus every day, but more importantly, that he got him off to a good start for the day ahead.  Charlie always focused on the good.

Generosity came natural to Charlie, and he truly enjoyed sharing the things that made him happy.  Travel was high on his list, highlighted by trips to Ireland, Spain, Hawaii and Vegas, along with a competitive game of setback or a leisurely fishing expedition around Quassy on his fun-time party boat.  As a proud and faithful member of Red Sox nation, he sincerely believed that the curse was broken, and while he made his way to Fenway on many occasions, it was very important that he had the biggest television with the most comprehensive selection of channels so he could watch his team wherever they were playing.  Baseball was his passion, which he shared with Naugatuck’s youth as a coach in the Peter J. Foley little league, where he lead his team of 12 year olds to the 1992 District 3 championship title.  While Charlie had a long and successful career in the field of technology, and after his retirement selling homes, what mattered most to him was his family and friends, and the ability to get to know complete strangers through random acts of kindness.   

Charlie was a person of extraordinary courage who persevered through an unimaginable illness with dignity, hope and faith, all of which gave strength to those who loved him so dearly. He lived his life with purpose, always putting the needs of others first.  His heart had no bounds and his soul embraced all that was good.  To know him, was to love and respect him. Charlie will be forever remembered as a kind and loving person, a true gentleman.  

Charlie is survived by his wife, mom, and son John and his wife Tiffany and their two children Sloan and Justin; his son Charles (Chuck) and his wife Crystal, Theresa’s family, who adored him, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Calling hours will be from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Naugatuck Valley Memorial, Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, https://www.leevercancercenter.org/donate.

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