Thomas W Forde

July 7, 1933 - January 6, 2025

Facebook

visitation

Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc Funeral Home

45-09 Little Neck Parkway

Little Neck, NY 11362

Thursday 1/9, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

service

cemetery

mass

St. Anastasia Church

45-14 245 Street

Douglaston, NY 11362

Friday 1/10, 10:45 am

Thomas W. Forde aka: Tommy, Tom, Papa Smirf, Mr. Forde, Da, Pop-Pops
Tom was from Ireland he was born in Limerick and raised in Athlone until he was 12. He returned to Limerick where he met his sister’s best friend Frances Griffin who later became his wife.
Tom left Ireland at 22 for England where he worked for the railroad. He then joined the English Merchant Navy for 6 years where he became a licensed refrigeration mechanic. All through the years he kept a relationship with Frances who became his wife. They had settled in England where their son Michael was born but moved to Ireland and eventually settled in NYC where their daughter Frances Ann was born.
Soon after Tom arrive in NY he started working for NY Telephone as a Watch Engineer & retired 30 years later from Bell Atlantic, proud member of the Communication Workers of America Local 1101.
Tom was preceded by his wife Frances and son-in-law Stephen Yadre. He leaves behind his Son Michael, Daughter-in-law Janet, Grandson Aedan, Daughter Frances Ann, Granddaughter Stephanie & Grandson Christopher.

Doyle B. Shaffer Funeral Home

Laurie and Erik Unkrich

Robert Clemens

Liz Cartmell

James Rafferty

Elissa Bercovitz

John Healy

Marie-Claire Egan

Light a candle

Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc Funeral Home

45-09 Little Neck Parkway

Little Neck, NY 11362

Map

Thursday 1/9, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

St. Anastasia Church

45-14 245 Street

Douglaston, NY 11362

Map

Friday 1/10, 10:45 am

See Condolences

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Sending prayers and positive thoughts to the family. May he Rest In Peace.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tommy. We had the pleasure of knowing him through my sister Janet and her husband Michael. In that time, we have witnessed first hand the deep respect and admiration that he and the rest of his family had for Tommy. He had a warmth about him that made everyone feel welcome, and an incredible ability to make those around him feel seen and heard. Though we feel the pain of his absence, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue through the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Tommy. You will always be loved, always remembered, and always cherished.

I first met Tommy when his wife, Frances, and, I worked together in Douglaston.. When they started vacationing in St. Austine, FL, they invited us to join for a visit, thus prompting us to also purchase a condo there. Through the years, we became very good friends and both will be greatly missed. May they Rest in Peace XOXO - Rita and Danny Tierney

I still think of every Monday night playing darts the knights of Columbus,tommy one of our own,genuine ,salt of the earth,sorry for your loss

As Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 where Thomas Forde was a member. This leaves me sadness and grief for a good man who truly live out his faith. God blessed Thomas Forde. Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Planning ahead is prudent. Call us now.

Mike and family, so sorry for your loss. It was great getting to know your father at your wedding and then seeing him again at your house on Superbowl Sundays. Again, my condolences for your loss.

May God Bless and Keep our Wonderful Friend and Long Time Member of the Emerald Society of Telephone and Communication Workers, Thomas Forde. May God Bless and Keep Him A White Flower Arrangement and Memorial Tree were provided on behalf of the Emerald Society

So sorry to hear of Tommys passing, our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Michael and all the extended family you are in our thoughts. May Tommy rest in peace. Jim and Susan Hanly, Carlow,Ireland

Rest in peace Uncle Tommy, it was a privilege to know you xx

I met Tommy for the first time in 1986 at JFK, we [Ger Denis and Cathal] had arrived from Ireland with nowhere to stay. Imagine 3 adult men from Ireland who he had never met before looking for somewhere to live, and Tommy's response was, that we should all go home with him to meet Frances and the dog Tara, Micheal and Francis Ann were away on vacation in Ireland for 2 weeks, and off we went. There are no words that can express of how grateful we were to all the Forde family for for allowing us to stay in their home while we looked for an apartment. Tommy was a brilliant man, a sensible man and a very kind man, he will be dearly missed May he rest in Peace Ger Martina and Jennifer O Shea

My deepest condolences to Fran and her family. The wonderful messages shared here about your Dad (and Mom) are so heartfelt and describe such amazing kindness. May all the memories and stories bring comfort and peace. In sympathy, Kim King (Fairfield University)

Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I've known Tommy a long time and have memories of him and Frances at all our family gatherings. May he rest in peace with his beautiful wife Frances. Will keep your family in our prayers. Patricia & Patrick Hanniffy

To my Godfather Tommy, You always held a special place in my heart. My childhood memories of you and Frances are treasured memories. You will be missed. Rest in peace. James

Rest in peace Tommy such a kindhearted man. I have always carried with me some very memorable moments with you even things from my childhood you thought me and I will appreciate and always remember.

There aren't many memories from my teenage years that do not involve the Forde family. During that time Mr. Forde was more of a father figure to me than my own father. He (and Mrs. Forde and Michael) welcomed me into their home and their house became a second home for me. There was always great food, great music, interesting and wonderful people to meet and get to know, and lots of laughter. Mr. Forde was truly the best example of what a stellar husband and father (family man) and friend looks like. I truly believe I was ultimately able to recognize what a good man/husband looks like because of the example he set. Memories of you, Mr. Forde, will always be a blessing to me and I know they will be for your family.

Planning ahead is prudent. Call us now.

It was such a privilege to have known Tommy. I enjoyed all of the stories he shared with me and all the great conversations we shared. May you rest in peace with your beautiful wife 🍀💚🍀💚

To know Tommy was to know true kindness, humility, and integrity. He was the kind of person who made you feel instantly at ease - someone who always had a warm smile and a way of making people feel truly seen and heard. His life was a reminder to always lead with love and make every moment count - just like he did. We’ll miss him more than words can say, but his love, wisdom, and example will stay with us forever.

In memory of Thomas W Forde, John Healy lit a candle

Beautiful memories of a beautiful man. I will never forget you Tommy. The welcome, the laughs, the jokes, the stories, the fun will remain with me always. You were a true gentleman and you will be missed

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.