Date of Service:
April 22, 2025
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Dennis Forte, 69, of Vero Beach, FL — formerly of Toms River, NJ — passed away peacefully doing what he loved on April 15, 2025.
Born on February 19, 1956, and raised in Colonia, New Jersey, Dennis later spent many years in Toms River, where he raised a loving family before relocating to Vero Beach with his wife, Patricia, a little over a decade ago. There, he fully embraced the Florida lifestyle — always happiest with a fishing rod in hand, a golf club nearby, or steaks sizzling on the grill while listening to AC/DC.
Dennis had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures and an inseparable bond with his best friend, a beloved German Shepherd named King. His warmth, generosity, and easygoing nature made him a steady presence in the lives of his family and friends. Whether he was helping a neighbor or cracking jokes in the backyard by the pool, Dennis was always the kind of person you were glad to have around.
He proudly served his community for over 30 years as a volunteer EMT with Pleasant Plains First Aid, dedicating himself to helping others in times of need. That same sense of service and kindness carried into every part of his life. For many years, Dennis successfully ran his own softball business, building relationships throughout the community and beyond. In more recent years, he found joy on the water, working as a captain for TowBoat U.S. — a role that combined his love for boating with his natural instinct to help others.
Dennis is survived by his wife Patricia Forte; daughters Annie Forte and Jenna Forte; stepchildren, Kelly Tharp, Sharon Tharp, Chuck Tharp and his wife Erin (along with their dog Jetty); his cherished grandchildren Charley and Riley; mother-in-law Marge Morrison, brother-in-law Peter Morrison; his sister Lilian Kuzma; his brother Ronnie Forte; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was predeceased by his parents, Felix and Mildred Forte, and his brother Wayne Forte.
Above all, Dennis will be remembered as a devoted father, partner, and friend — someone who showed up, gave generously, and loved deeply. His legacy of love and kindness will live on in everyone who knew him.
The family will receive friends 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A Prayer Service will begin at 2:00 p.m.
A celebration of his life will be held 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Holiday Beach Club, 26 Shore Drive, Waretown, NJ 08758.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Mikey - Brother
April 18, 2025, 1:52 pm
Pat! I am so sorry. He was one of the good guys. May he rest in peace!
vikki ann boniello - Annie's Friends
April 18, 2025, 2:08 pm
Holding you and your family close in my thoughts and prayers Annie. I have no words. So deeply sorry, such a huge loss. Cherish your beautiful memories with your Dad, he sounded like such a great man. I love you ~ Tony, Vikki, Bianca, Rob, Karli, Cody, Brooke, Abel & Bucca
Joyce Forte
April 18, 2025, 3:28 pm
Though our paths eventually diverged, I will always remember the life we shared. Our children, Annie and Jenna, are a living testament to the meaningful years we once had. Rest in peace Dennis. My deepest condolences to his wife Patty and the family.
Lori Amodeo - Brandon’s Mom
April 18, 2025, 3:42 pm
Our hearts are shattered for your family in the sudden loss of such a kind soul as your beloved Dennis. One thing has always been very clear since the day I met Dennis, he adored and deeply loved his family. I will never forget that about him. He and Patty have been so kind and welcoming to me and my daughter, always inviting us to share holidays, immediately treating us as part of the family. I’m also especially and forever grateful for how he welcomed Brandon as part of Kelly’s life as well. I remember how much they bonded over cooking and how they shared a love of a great meal bringing family together. I will miss his kind presence. My heart and prayers are with you all. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Gary Federico - Freind
April 18, 2025, 4:48 pm
It was such a pleasure knowing and working with Dennis on the softball fields. He was incredible working with the kids, and his knowledge of the sport was unsurpassed. I thoroughly enjoyed going to his house having a steak dinner and a martini. Goodbye Coach. He will be missed.
Lora Baccari - Friend
April 18, 2025, 5:54 pm
I am soooo sooo sorry to hear this! Sending my prayers and love your way.
Barbara Sills - Friend
April 18, 2025, 6:16 pm
Patty you and your family are in my prayers. I am deeply saddened by your loss and I know the Lord is looking over you. Barb ❤️
Bob Zmyewski - Neighbor from Colonia
April 18, 2025, 6:42 pm
Pat, I’m sorry for you loss. I still remember Dennis partying with us back on Dewey Ave. May he rest in peace.
Matthew Silance
April 18, 2025, 10:06 pm
Patti I’m so sorry to hear this remember all the good times Matt
Drew Diodato - Friend
April 18, 2025, 10:34 pm
He was a wonderful coach and man. He helped my daughter in softball for several years. May he RIP
Debbie and Jeff Tolley - Neighbor
April 18, 2025, 10:36 pm
Patty so sorry to hear about Dennis prayers to you and your family.Jeff and Debbie Tolley Vista Lago
The Mango family - HOWELL NEIGHBORS
April 18, 2025, 11:26 pm
RIP, Dennis. You will always be our favorite Santa Claus. We send our heartfelt condolences to all of Dennis’ family. Love from your Roberta Drive neighbors, Vince, Linda, Elissa and Andrea Mango.
Lillian Kuzma - Sister
April 19, 2025, 12:32 am
To my beautiful brother you were always one of my joys in life there are so many happy memories I have of you growing up.You will be missed by so many people .But now your with mom and Dad and Wayne .Love you so much and I will think of you every day
Michael G. Seneca - Friend
April 19, 2025, 1:16 am
Dennis was always a true gentlemen, who gave unselfishly of himself. He adored and loved his family, and if you were lucky enough to have known him, like myself for 17 years, he was always only a phone call away if needed. He loved softball, and loved teaching it even more to his students. He was an amazing hitting instructor. I remember him telling me about a woman he met, Patty, and what an amazing person she was, and how he loved to be around her. He was truly smitten with Patty. Anyway, rest in eternal peace my dear friend. You were “one of the good ones”, and will be missed terribly.
Greg Smith - Family Friend
April 19, 2025, 3:40 pm
Dennis was definitely one of the good guys. He will be sorley missed. Always there when you needed him. A great friend. Hopefully I’ll see him in the next life.
Eileen and Ron Tylutki - Friends
April 19, 2025, 5:34 pm
I could never thank you enough for what you’ve done for our family. Myself and my wife Eileen were fortunate to have called you and Patty our friends. We will miss you so much .The world lost a good man. Patty if there is anything you need we will always be there for you. Love Eileen and Ron Tylutki ❤️
Beverly - Friend
April 19, 2025, 7:51 pm
I feel so blessed to have known Dennis, just wish it could have been for many more years. He was such a warm kind man; great husband, father, brother, PopPop and friend. A true gentleman who touched all our heart rest in peace Den. And we will see you later.
Kerry Major - Colleague / friend
April 21, 2025, 12:47 pm
Patty, I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know you are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Lauren
April 21, 2025, 7:01 pm
We are so saddened to hear of Dennis’ sudden passing. We love you Annie and sending warm hugs, all of our love and support from Jersey. Your dad will surely be missed. Xoxo Lauren, Justin, Paisley & Maren
Rachelle Campbell
April 22, 2025, 2:23 pm
So sorry to hear this. Sending my condolences and prayers to the whole family. Working with Patty and getting to meet Dennis was a pleasure.
Lori McCormick - Friend
April 22, 2025, 3:16 pm
Patty, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Many prayers coming your way.
Jason Marosi - Friend
April 22, 2025, 5:11 pm
Patty and Family, so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time. Dennis was a genuinely good guy—kind, thoughtful, and always there when you needed him. I feel lucky to have known him, and he’ll be deeply missed.
Lisa Schraw - Friend
April 22, 2025, 8:22 pm
Dearest Patty, Steve & I are so sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing. Please know you & your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve & Lisa Schraw
Christine Breslin - Niece
April 23, 2025, 11:18 pm
Patty and Family, John and I send you our deepest condolences and prayers. Just 9 years older than me growing up he was more like a big brother than uncle.. I am truly heartbroken… He was truly the best uncle I could ever ask for… He was such a special person! He will be missed so much! He touched everyone he knew. So sad, Christine and John