Obituary lovingly written by his family:

Patrick Jarlath Forde passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2025, surrounded by family.

Patrick was a fighter his whole life and faced his final days with the same courage, humor, and fierce determination that defined his life.

He is preceded in death by his kind-hearted and loving wife of 58 years, Mary Forde (nee Durkan).

Patrick is survived by and was the loving father to Mary Therese Forde, Ann (Charles) Chapple, Brian (Sandra) Forde and; dear grandfather "Papa" to Sean and Caitlyn Chapple and Peyton Forde. Born on September 16th, 1933, in Killaloonty, Tuam, County Galway, Ireland to the late Michael and Sarah Forde. He is survived by his sister Noreen (Colin) Holland and predeceased by his siblings Mai (Patrick) Keane, Kay (Donald) Ault, Mairead (Mervin) Jones, Michael Joseph Forde, Sheila Forde, and Carmel (Michael) Quinn as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a great Uncle to many.

Patrick lived a long and fulfilling life defined by service, integrity, and strength. Patrick grew up on a farm and made the courageous decision to move to England to go to carpentry trade school at the young age of 17. He then moved to Canada for a couple years until he found his way to Chicago. Upon applying to be an American citizen, something he was incredibly proud of, he was quickly drafted into the US Army and stationed in Germany for several years. He often told the story of meeting Elvis while there and all his escapades driving the medic truck. Shortly after his return to Chicago, Patrick met his future wife Mary Durkan at an Irish Dance Hall; they married on September 11th, 1965, at Mary Queen of Heaven in Cicero. Three years later they moved to Lombard, Illinois, where they raised their family and lived for 38 years. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Patrick was a force of nature. He was passionate about his family and taking care of the people in his life. After a serious work accident he spent years rehabbing himself, this led to a lifelong love of working out while making many gym friends along the way. He could often be found in the yard whistling on his tractor lawn mower or in a beach chair in Michigan with a cold beer in his hand. Patrick was an active member of the local community, ushering for Christ the King and St. Anne's churches, volunteering at the Italian Fest Carnival, and helping neighbors mow their grass and shovel their driveways. He enjoyed Friday nights out with Mary and friends as well as hosting their annual SuperBowl parties. He thoroughly enjoyed shenanigans, storytelling and laughing with friends around his basement bar in the Lombard house. It has often been said that if those barstools could talk, a few people would be in a wee bit of trouble. Patrick had great humor even if he did not always know it. At the age of 73, he was hesitant to move into a 55+ community as he did not want to be thought of as old. Needless to say, they moved into that community in Oswego, Illinois in 2006 and loved their almost 19 years there with amazing neighbors and being close to family. There were many titles Patrick held throughout his life, but the one he was forever most proud of was being a Grandpa. No matter when or where, he would show up and cheer his grandkids on. Patrick was a man of great honor and a person everyone was lucky to have in their corner. He spent his last days soaking up the sun. You always knew it was a good day when Patrick was sitting in his chair with the newspaper on his lap in the front yard. He was known for his quick wit, strong faith, and his ability to make those around him feel at ease. His door was always open, his bar was always stashed.He lived a simple life but was content as long as Mary was by his side. Despite the battles he endured, he fought through until he was ready to be reunited with Mary again.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the amazing caregivers who helped Dad and Mom as well. Their kindness, caring demeanors, compassionate hearts, and desire to help them maintain quality of life with dignity at their own home was priceless. Thank you Aileen, Brooke, Deanna, Laura, and Norma. You do the work of angels and we cannot thank you enough.

Visitation Services will be held on Friday, May 16th, 2025 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 South Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543, followed by Noon Mass at St Anne Catholic Church, 551 Boulder Hill Oswego, IL. Interment at Risen Lord Cemetery 1501 Simons Rd, Oswego, IL 60543

Info: www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com or 630-554-8484

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be sent to https://matthiasacademy.org/donation/ in memory of Patrick.